I’ve shared Salt and Pepper Chicken and Salt and Pepper Pork Chops in the past. Today I want to share one of my favorite ways to enjoy white fish filets – salt and pepper fish. Slightly different from my previous recipes, this one only uses a thin coating. Without using a lot of oil or deep-frying, you will get perfectly cooked fish pieces that are tender on the inside and crispy crunchy on the outside. The crispy fish slices are further tossed together with aromatics and dried chili peppers for a rich taste that’s super appetizing.
Salt and pepper fish ingredients
What type of fish to use
My favorite fish to use in salt and pepper fish is catfish filet. It’s quite fatty and holds together relatively well once cooked. Other white fish filets such as tilapia, sea bass or sole also work. Try finding the freshest fish possible (the perfect choice would be live fish), so the fish filet holds together much better. But if you follow my recipe, you can use pretty much any regular frozen fish filet without issue.
How to cut the fish
To prevent the fish from falling apart during cooking, try to slice it into short pieces. What I like to do is:
Tilt the knife to a 45 degree angle Slice the fish filet into irregular pieces that are thin on the edges and thick in the middle
This way, the thin edges will crisp up and become a bit chewy, while the inside stays tender.
Mise en place
When you’re ready to cook, your table should have:
Marinated fish coated in cornstarch Salt and white pepper Sliced aromatics (garlic and green onion) Spices (dried chili pepper, Sichuan peppercorns) Cilantro (optional)
How to make salt and pepper fish
How to prevent the fish from falling apart
Fish filet slices will become very fragile once cooked through and can easily be broken apart when stirring. The best way to prevent the fish from falling apart is:
Slice the fish into short pieces Use minimal oil to coat the pan and high heat, so the fish cooks quickly on the outside without overcooking the inside Cook the fish until just cooked (or even slightly undercooked) during pan frying, because the fish will continue to cook once you add it back into the pan later Gently stir the fish and the salt and pepper together with a spatula without over stirring
That said, even if the fish falls apart a bit, the result will still be tasty.
How to serve salt and pepper fish
Salt and pepper fish is a great appetizer and it pairs well with beer or a cold drink. When I want a quick meal, I also like to serve it over steamed rice for a one-bowl meal.
Other delicious appetizer
Easy Chinese Steamed Chicken Cantonese Shumai with Pork and Shrimp (烧麦, Shao Mai) Sweet and Sour Ribs (糖醋小排) Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings Barter-Worthy Spam Musubi
