Chilli Fish Dry
Crispy fried fish cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with bell peppers and onions. A classic Indo-Chinese appetizer that's addictively delicious and perfect for parties.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Marinate the fish
- a.In a medium bowl, combine the fish cubes with ginger garlic paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 0.5 tsp black pepper powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp white vinegar. Mix gently to coat and set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Prepare the batter
- a.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 4 tbsp cornflour, the beaten egg, and 0.25 tsp black pepper powder. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water as needed to create a thick, smooth batter that can coat the fish pieces without being runny.
- 3
Fry the fish
- a.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Dip each marinated fish cube into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry in small batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
- 4
Sauté aromatics and vegetables
- a.In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over high heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chillies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender yet crisp.
- 5
Prepare the sauce
- a.Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, red chili sauce, 1 tbsp (3 tsp) white vinegar, and sugar to the wok. Stir well. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 3 tbsp of water to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the wok while stirring continuously. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and add the remaining 0.25 tsp salt if needed.
- 6
Combine and serve
- a.Turn off the heat. Add the crispy fried fish to the wok with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the fish is evenly coated. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a firm white fish like Kingfish, Basa, or Tilapia that holds its shape well during frying.
- 2Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F / 175°C) before frying. If it's not hot, the fish will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- 3Fry the fish in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve a perfectly crispy texture.
- 4The stir-frying process is very fast. Have all your sauces and chopped vegetables ready ('mise en place') before you start.
- 5For an extra crispy coating, you can double-fry the fish. Fry once until light golden, remove, and then fry again for 1-2 minutes just before tossing in the sauce.
- 6Do not overcook the bell peppers and onions. They should retain a slight crunch for textural contrast.
- 7Toss the fried fish in the sauce just before serving to prevent it from losing its crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-fat option, coat the marinated fish in the batter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or air fry until golden and crisp before tossing in the sauce.
Chilli Fish GravyChilli Fish Gravy
To make a gravy version, double the amount of all sauce ingredients and increase the cornflour slurry to 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1/2 cup of water or vegetable broth. Simmer until thickened.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Replace the fish with paneer, tofu, or mushrooms. For a vegan version, use tofu and skip the egg in the batter, adding a little more water or plant-based milk to get the right consistency.
Different ProteinDifferent Protein
This recipe works wonderfully with boneless chicken (Chilli Chicken) or prawns (Chilli Prawns). Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Fish is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Many types of fish used in this dish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and have been shown to reduce inflammation and support a healthy heart.
Contains Antioxidants
Garlic, ginger, and bell peppers are packed with antioxidants that help protect your body from damage by free radicals and support a strong immune system.
Metabolism Boost
The capsaicin in green and red chillies can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Chilli Fish Dry contains approximately 410-450 calories, depending on the type of fish used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.