Trinidad Sweet and Sour Fish
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring pan-fried fish coated in a tangy and sweet sauce, often with the addition of colorful bell peppers and pineapple. A popular choice for a quick and delicious meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as snapper, kingfish, or tilapia, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 4-6 tbsp Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 each of red and green Bell peppers(chopped)
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks(fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup White vinegar
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water Cornstarch slurry(for thickening)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the fish pieces and toss to coat evenly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
- 2
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the fish in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove fish and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
- 3
Add the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Add onions and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and water. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.
- 6
Bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- 7
Gently return the fried fish to the skillet and toss to coat with the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
- 8
Serve immediately, typically with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is dry before coating it in cornstarch for a crispier texture.
- ✓Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the fish; fry in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by varying the amounts of brown sugar and vinegar.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli florets.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.