If you’re looking to level up your dinner game, Chilli fish is the catch of the day! Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with tangy, spicy goodness, this recipe will have you hooked from the first bite.

First things first, let’s talk about our star ingredient – the fish. For this recipe, we’ll be using Basa, a fish that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. But you can also use Bhetki and once you try bhetki chilli and Basa Chilli, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this every week.

Ingredients For Chilli Fish

• 500g Basa Fillet from FreshToHome
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornflour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chilli sauce
• Spring onions for garnish

Instructions

1.
Prep the Fish
Rinse the fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. This is where you channel your inner chef and imagine you’re on a cooking show. Go ahead, give a little wave to the imaginary camera.

2.
Batter Up
In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Beat the egg in a separate bowl and add it to the flour mixture. Stir until you have a smooth batter. Dip the fish pieces into the batter, ensuring they’re fully coated. This is the secret to that perfect, golden-brown crunch.

3.
Fry Time
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the fish pieces. Fry until they’re crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Resist the urge to munch on them right away – we’ve got more magic to add!

A bowl of succulent batter fried fish to make a delectable Chinese-style chilly fish

4.
The Flavour Explosion
In another pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, garlic, and green chillies. Stir-fry until the veggies are slightly tender. Now, it’s time to transform this dish into a chilli garlic fish masterpiece. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and chilli sauce. Stir everything together until it’s a beautiful, sticky sauce that clings to every morsel.

5.
Bringing It All Together
Toss the fried fish into the pan with the sauce. Mix gently to ensure each piece is coated in that spicy, tangy goodness. This, my friends, is what makes this dish a chilli fish stir fry sensation.

6.
Final Touches
Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for that extra pop of colour and crunch. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, eat it straight out of the pan. No judgment here!

Enjoy!

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying chilli fish recipe in Chinese style. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a quiet night at home. This dish is so good, that you’ll be making it on repeat. And who knows, you might even start dreaming of your next big catch!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something spicy and savoury, remember this chilli fish recipe. It’s a fun and easy way to bring a bit of the ocean’s zest to your dinner table. Happy cooking, and may your meals always be full of flavour and joy!

SUBMITTED BY:
Deva Darshan
FreshToHome Customer, Since 2022
Fish Lover & Home Chef