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How to Cook Chilli Fish: A Complete Guide for All

Written By James Morgan
How to Cook Chilli Fish: A Complete Guide for All

Are you ready to learn how to cook chilli fish that bursts with flavors and impresses everyone at your dinner table? This all-inclusive guide aims to provide you with step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to create a memorable dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, this article has everything you need to master cooking chilli fish.

how to cook chilli fish

Introduction to Chilli Fish

Chilli fish is a delightful combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and the succulent flavor of fish. This dish is popular in many Asian cuisines, especially Chinese and Indian, where it's served as an appetizer or main course. The blend of chili, garlic, and special sauces makes it a unique treat that is both spicy and savory.

how to cook chilli fish

Essential Ingredients

Before diving into the process, it's crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's a comprehensive list:

Main Ingredients:

  • Fish fillets (boneless, skinless) 500 grams
  • Red and green bell peppers 1 each, sliced
  • Onion 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic 4-5 cloves, minced
  • Ginger 1 inch piece, minced
  • Green chilies 2-3, chopped
  • Spring onions 2 stalks, chopped

For the Marinade:

  • Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
  • Chili sauce 1 tablespoon
  • Vinegar 1 tablespoon
  • Cornstarch 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
  • Chili garlic sauce 1-2 tablespoons
  • Tomato ketchup 2 tablespoons
  • Vinegar 1 tablespoon
  • Water 1/4 cup
  • Sugar 1 teaspoon
how to cook chilli fish

Preparation Steps

Once you've gathered all ingredients, let's move on to the preparation steps. Each step is crucial for achieving the perfect chilli fish that boasts a flavorful and crispy texture.

1. Marinating the Fish

Begin by cutting the fish fillets into bite-sized pieces. Use a sharp knife and a cutting board to ensure precision. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well and add the fish pieces. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Preparing the Sauce

While the fish is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, water, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until well-blended. Adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your preference.

3. Cooking the Fish

Heat a griddle or a non-stick pan with oil over medium heat. Fry the marinated fish pieces until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them occasionally, ensuring even cooking. Once done, transfer the fish onto a paper towel to remove excess oil.

4. Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same pan, add some more oil if required, and saut the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry until they are slightly tender but still retain their crunch.

5. Combining Everything

Now, pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Allow it to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the fried fish pieces and toss them gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld together.

how to cook chilli fish

Serving Suggestions

Your delicious chilli fish is ready to be served! Garnish with chopped spring onions and pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. This dish also makes an excellent appetizer when served with a side of garlic dipping sauce.

Cooking Tips for Perfection

To ensure you get the best results when learning how to cook chilli fish, consider the following tips:

  • Use fresh, firm boneless, skinless fish fillets for the best texture and taste.
  • Adjust the spice level to suit your preference by varying the quantity of chili garlic sauce and green chilies.
  • For an extra crispy texture, you can double fry the fish pieces.
  • If you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of vinegar in the sauce.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), store the chilli fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on a stovetop with a little water to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Check out related recipes:

For more in-depth information on cooking fish, visit WikiHow.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your delicious chilli fish, it's essential to properly clean your cookware. Use a quality Cookware Cleaner to remove any sticky residues and a Cutting Board Oil to maintain your cutting board's lifespan.

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"8FT High Pressure Propane Hose with Adjustable Regulator - Ideal for Outdoor Grill Gas Fitting, Grill, Burner, Fryer, and Cooker - 0-20 PSI - 3/8" Flare X 1/8" NPT Male"
$41.94
(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
$48.10
, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
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- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
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- Carolina Barbeque Sauce, Gourmet Carolina Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce with Tomato Vinegar, Premium Ingredients, Made with Gluten-Free Ingredients (20 Oz)
$24.76
- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 3/16" Thick, 14" X 18"
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- Greek Freak Mediterranean Spice Blend - All-Purpose Rubs, Spices and Seasonings - Use On: Chicken, Chickpeas, Beef, Seafood, Pork, Vegetables, Turkey, Potatoes and Salad Dressing - 4 Oz
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- Grill Brush and Scraper, 16.7”, Stainless Steel, Grill Cleaner, Grill Brush, Grill Cleaning Brush, BBQ Brill Brush, BBQ Brush for Grill Cleaning, Grill Brush for Outdoor Grill, Safe Grill Brush
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- Magnetic Barbecue BBQ Light Set for Grilling - 6 Alkaline AAA Batteries Included - Works on All Grills with an Exception to Stainless Steel.
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- Master Grill Pan, Korean Traditional BBQ Grill Pan - Stovetop Nonstick Indoor/Outdoor Smokeless BBQ Cast Aluminum Grill Pan
$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
- Professional Grade Chef Apron for Kitchen, BBQ & Grill
$67.98
- Stovetop Indoor Korean BBQ Nonstick Grill Pan With, Pfoa-Free, Dishwasher Oven Safe, Made in Korea
$77.98
-Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven, Rotating Propane Pizza Grill Oven for Exterior Backyard Pizza Maker with 14" Pizza Stone, Portable Pizza Ovens for outside with Pizza Peel,Pia,Cutter,Gloves and Thermometer.
$500.58
. the Safer Grill Cleaning Brush. All Natural. No Metal Bristles.
$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
07061 22-Inch Electric Griddle with Removable Handles, Black, 22-Inch
$119.98
1 Pair/2 Pieces BBQ Gloves, Grilling Gloves, Heat Resistant Barbecue Oven Gloves, 1472°F/800°C Kitchen Fireproof Mitts Heat Proof for Grilling, Baking, Cooking, Welding Gloves Mitts - Red
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
$46.82
1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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10 Inch Griddle Spatula Holder Magnetic Design, Stainless Steel Grill Barbecue Tool Rack, Griddle Accessories for Blackstone Flat Top Griddle and Other Grill Griddles (2 Pcs)
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10 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Skillet Grill Pan with Easy Grease Draining for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats, Stove, Fire and Oven Safe for Camping or Barbecue (Red)
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10" Portable round Barbecue BBQ Charcoal Grill with Handle for Outdoor Home Kitchen BBQ Picnic Camping
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10" Square Cast Iron Grill Pan Steak Pan Pre Seasoned Grill Pan with Easy Grease Drain Spout, with Large Loop Handles for Grilling Bacon, Steak, and Meats
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub - All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket - Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling - No MSG, 0 Calorie - 10.5Oz Bottle
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10-42 BBQ Brisket Rub | All-Natural Spice Seasoning for Steak, Rib, Beef Brisket | Barbecue Meat Seasoning Dry Rub | BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking and Grilling | No MSG, 5.5.Oz Bottle
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10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
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10-LED Grill Light, as Labeled
$40.18
100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
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100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
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100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
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12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
$59.98