Asian Black Pepper Basa Fish Recipe
This Asian-inspired Black Pepper Basa Fish is a tantalizing dish with a perfect blend of flavors that are sure to impress. The fish is marinated in a savory sauce and pan-fried to perfection, then topped with a rich black pepper sauce. It’s the ideal main course for anyone craving something flavorful, yet light and healthy. The recipe also pairs wonderfully with a side of Burnt Garlic Veg Fried Rice and Broccoli Orange Asian Salad, making it an excellent option for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basa fish fillets | 2 fillets |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Dark soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 teaspoons |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green onions (finely chopped) | 8 stalks |
| Dried red chili (seeds removed, chopped) | 1 |
| Whole black peppercorns (crushed) | 10 |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
- In a mixing bowl, combine vinegar, dark soy sauce, and black pepper powder. Stir well to blend all ingredients together.
- Add the basa fish fillets into the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Gently mix, cover the bowl, and let it marinate for 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to infuse into the fish, enhancing its taste.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
- Heat a non-stick griddle or frying pan on medium heat and add a little oil.
- Place the marinated fish fillets on the griddle and cook them on both sides until golden brown and crispy. Be cautious not to overcook the fish; about 3-4 minutes per side should be enough to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
- Once done, remove the fish from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Set aside while you prepare the black pepper sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce
- In a separate pan or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry them for about 1 minute until they soften and release their aroma.
- Sprinkle in the crushed black peppercorns, salt, black pepper powder, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir the ingredients together and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add 1/3 cup of water to the pan, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to form a smooth slurry.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Continue to cook for an additional minute until the sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Once the sauce is thickened, pour it generously over the fried fish fillets, ensuring the fish is well-coated with the flavorful black pepper sauce.
- Serve the Asian Black Pepper Basa Fish immediately with your choice of sides such as Burnt Garlic Veg Fried Rice and Broccoli Orange Asian Salad. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate this dish to a whole new level.
Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- Make sure to fry the fish on medium heat to prevent it from burning and to achieve a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- The black pepper sauce can be adjusted to your spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed black pepper or dried red chili.
- For extra crunch, you can garnish the dish with some toasted sesame seeds or additional chopped green onions before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
This Asian Black Pepper Basa Fish recipe is not only packed with vibrant flavors but also offers a light and healthy meal option. With a simple list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser!
