This sweet and sour fish recipe is made with a delicate white fish that is fried until crispy perfection, then stir-fried with aromatic bell peppers and pineapples, and coated with a thick, glossy, sweet, and sour sauce. The best part about this sweet and sour fish recipe is that it can be prepared in under 30 minutes!

Chinese sweet and sour fish is my favorite easy weeknight dinner, packed with so much flavor without sacrificing time.

Ingredients

You can find all of the following ingredients for sweet and sour fish at your local grocery market. Full measurements and links to all the ingredients I used are listed in the recipe card below.

Fish

• Fish: I used cod, but bass, tilapia, red snapper, or halibut are all good options.
• Sesame oil: adds a nutty flavor that tenderizes the fish.
• Salt, white pepper and garlic: seasons the fish
• All-purpose flour and cornstarch: the combination is ideal for a light and crispy coating.
• Baking powder: increases browning and adds air pockets that make the fried fish crispier.
• Vegetable Oil: has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

• Cornstarch and water: thickens the sauce.
• Pineapple Juice: adds a sweet, tart element that brightens the dish.
• Ketchup: adds a tangy, umami flavor and signature color.
• Brown Sugar: sweetens the sweet and sour sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: the “sour” element in the dish.
• Salt: seasons and enhances the flavor.

Stir fry

• Ginger and Garlic: are the main aromatic elements of the stir fry.
• Red Onion: adds a sharp aromatic onion flavor.
• Red and Green Bell Pepper: adds color, texture, and nutrients.
• Pineapple: is not traditional, but adds a refreshing bite.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Fish: You can also use salmon as an alternative.
• Cake Flour: for a light and crispy coating.
• All-purpose flour or Cornstarch: if you only have one or the other, you can use either one as an alternative.
• Granulated Sugar: an alternative to brown sugar.
• Vinegars: red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and distilled white vinegar.

Additions

• Soy sauce: adds another layer of saltiness sauce.
• Shaoxing wine: adds a layer of savory depth.
• Chili: for a spicy kick you can add sliced chili peppers, chili flakes, or chili oil to the sauce.
• Vegetables: carrots, snow peas, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Fish

Here are the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on how to make this sweet and sour fish recipe.

Prep

1. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Then season the fish with sesame oil, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the water and cornstarch until well mixed. Then mix in the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and salt.

Fry the Fish

1. In a deep pan, heat enough oil to cover about 1/2 to 1 inch of the pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Then coat the fish and shake off any excess.

3. Fry the fish in batches until they are golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Then transfer the fish onto a wire rack placed over a lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Stir Fry

1. In a wok or large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Then add the ginger, garlic, and onions and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Next, add the bell peppers and cook for 30 seconds. Then add the pineapple and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Then add the sauce and toss to combine. Cook the sauce until it begins to simmer and thicken for about 1-2 minutes.

4. Pour the sauce over the fish, garnish with sesame seeds, and serve the sweet and sour fish with white rice. Enjoy!

Storage Instructions

For best results, this Chinese sweet and sour fish stir fry should be served immediately when cooked. This will ensure the crispiness of the fish. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: you can either saute on a skillet until warm or microwave-covered until warm.

FAQ

What kind of fish is best for sweet and sour fish?

Firm white fish with a mild flavor like cod, bass, halibut, tilapia, or red snapper can be used for sweet and sour fish. Any of these fish can withstand the heat from frying and absorb the flavors nicely.

Can I use frozen fish for sweet and sour fish?

Yes! You can use frozen fish for this sweet-and-sour fish recipe. Make sure to thaw the fish and pat it completely dry before coating it in batter and frying.

Can I make sweet and sour sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sweet and sour sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce in a saucepan and pour it over the freshly fried fish.

Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe