Sweet and Spicy Nila Fish: A Bold Culinary Adventure
Embark on a flavorful journey with this delightful Sweet and Spicy Nila Fish recipe, which perfectly combines the succulent taste of the Nila fish with a robust sauce that balances sweetness and heat. Ideal for family gatherings or when you want to impress your guests, this dish will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large Nila fish | 2 (approximately 1 kg) |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Chicken bouillon powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| For the Sauce: | |
| Small onion (sliced) | 1 |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (smashed) | 2 cm |
| Tomato sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Chili sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Bird’s eye chilies (sliced) | 3 |
| Cornstarch | ½ tablespoon |
| Water | 200 ml |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving (based on 4 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Instructions
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Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the Nila fish thoroughly. Rub the fish with vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to tenderize and add flavor. Afterward, rinse it under cold water until clean.
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Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle salt and chicken bouillon powder evenly over both sides, ensuring it’s well seasoned.
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Fry the Fish: In a large skillet, heat enough cooking oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned fish in the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the sliced onion, finely chopped garlic, and smashed ginger. Sauté these aromatics until they are fragrant and the onions become translucent. Next, add the tomato sauce, chili sauce, and sliced bird’s eye chilies. Stir well to combine.
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Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt or sugar according to your preference. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water (about 50 ml) to reach the desired consistency and let it simmer for a few minutes.
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 1-2 minutes.
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Serve: To plate the dish, carefully arrange the fried Nila fish in a serving dish. Generously pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the fish, ensuring it is well covered with the flavorful mixture.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your Sweet and Spicy Nila Fish with steamed rice and your choice of vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and the delightful balance of sweetness and heat in every bite!
With its enticing combination of flavors and textures, this Sweet and Spicy Nila Fish dish will not only please your palate but also brighten any dining experience. Perfect for special occasions or simply to savor at home, it encapsulates the essence of love through cooking.
