Hey there, flavor seekers! Are you ready to experience a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and a little heat to wake up your taste buds? Let me introduce you to Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish. It’s the perfect combination of crispy fish, savory seasonings, and just the right amount of spice. This one’s not only simple to make, but it’s also absolutely packed with flavor and texture—trust me, you’re going to love this!
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Why You’ll Love Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish
If you’re craving a quick yet mouthwatering dinner, this dish has you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Perfectly Crispy Fish: The cast iron skillet gives the fish a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and flaky. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Bold Flavors: With a mix of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chili, this dish brings together classic Asian flavors that dance on your palate.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but delicious enough to serve at a special dinner. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice to your preference, and feel free to add your favorite veggies on the side or mix into the dish for an extra crunch.
- Healthy & Light: Packed with fresh fish and simple ingredients, this dish is light yet satisfying. It’s a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this bold, spicy dish to life:
- White Fish Fillets: A mild white fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper works perfectly for this recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor and helps tenderize the fish.
- Rice Vinegar: A little tangy kick to balance the rich soy sauce.
- Chili Paste or Sriracha: For that spicy heat that’s the star of this dish.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic for a punch of flavor that complements the chili paste.
- Ginger: A little ginger adds a zesty bite that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil gives this dish a nutty, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Honey: A bit of sweetness to balance the spice.
- Green Onions: For garnish and a fresh crunch.
- Cilantro: Optional, but it adds a lovely fresh finish to the dish.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful, spicy masterpiece:
1. Prep the Fish: Pat your fish fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the skillet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste or sriracha, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Stir well until the honey is dissolved and everything is evenly combined.
3. Heat the Cast Iron Skillet: Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and swirl to coat the pan.
4. Cook the Fish: Place the fish fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook; the fish should be flaky and tender on the inside.
5. Add the Sauce: Once the fish is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Pour the sauce over the fish, letting it sizzle and caramelize slightly in the pan.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top the fish with chopped green onions and cilantro, and serve immediately. The sauce will add a beautiful glossy finish to the fish, making it look just as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to enhance the flavors and complete the meal:
- Steamed Rice: Serve it with a side of fluffy steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light vegetable stir-fry with bell peppers, bok choy, and mushrooms complements the fish perfectly.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with a hint of sesame and lime works wonderfully to balance the spice of the fish.
- Pickled Vegetables: For an extra zing, try serving with pickled cucumbers or radishes to add a refreshing contrast.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili paste or sriracha based on your heat preference. You can go milder or spicier depending on what you like.
- Use Firm Fish: If you prefer a firmer texture, go for fish like snapper or halibut, which hold up well during cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you love a saucy dish, make extra sauce to drizzle over your rice or veggies for an extra punch of flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of fish?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any mild, white fish like cod, tilapia, or even mahi-mahi. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: While it’s best to cook the fish fresh, you can prep the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to a week. That’ll save you time when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not ideal to freeze cooked fish, as it can lose its texture. But you can freeze the sauce and thaw it when you’re ready to make the dish again.
Q5: How do I make the fish extra crispy?
A5: Ensure the fish is patted dry before cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will allow the fish to crisp up beautifully on all sides.
Q6: Can I use a different type of oil?
A6: Yes, you can use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil if you prefer, but sesame oil gives the best flavor for this dish.
Q7: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A7: Definitely! You can sauté some vegetables like bok choy or snap peas in the same pan after cooking the fish, allowing them to soak up the leftover sauce.
Q8: Can I make this dish milder?
A8: Yes, you can reduce or omit the chili paste and sriracha for a more mild version. It’ll still be full of flavor!
Q9: How can I make the dish gluten-free?
A9: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
Q10: Can I serve this dish with noodles?
A10: Absolutely! Serve the fish on top of a bowl of stir-fried noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
There you have it—Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish is the perfect mix of crispy, savory, and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the ideal dish for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your friends and family with something special. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry, Poach
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Cast Iron Asian Inspired Fish features tender fish fillets cooked in a flavorful chili paste sauce with garlic, ginger, and green onions. The dish is finished with a sizzling hot oil drizzle, making it the perfect flavorful meal!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chili paste
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 piece of ginger
- 6 green onions
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 Thai chili peppers
Instructions
- Slice the ginger, garlic, and Thai peppers, then place them into a bowl.
- Slice the fish fillets at a 45-degree angle into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Marinate the fish with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well, best with your hands.
- Add the egg white and mix, followed by 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix until the marinade feels sticky. Refrigerate the fish and marinate for about 20 minutes.
- Heat oil over medium heat and stir in the chili paste. Stir for 2-3 minutes, then add the garlic, ginger, green onions, and Thai chilis. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and season with salt and pepper.
- Add honey and cook for another minute, using the back of a spatula to lift any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully pour in the water and add the fish fillet slices, cooking them in batches. Poach the fish for 45 seconds to a minute or until cooked through.
- In a small pot, heat 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup oil over medium heat until just smoking. Carefully drizzle the hot oil over the fish.
- Serve immediately over rice and garnish with Thai Basil.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, you can adjust the amount of Thai chili peppers to taste.
- Pair with jasmine rice or your favorite type of rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg