Crispy Garlic Fried Fish

Ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or bangus), scaled and cleaned 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or bangus), scaled and cleaned
• 1/4 cup vinegar 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Place the fish fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the fish fillets from the marinade and pat them dry with paper towels.
5. 5.
   Dip each fillet into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the battered fish into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, transfer the fish to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Crispy Garlic Fried Fish hot with steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and properly cleaned to achieve the best flavor. If using bangus (milkfish), remove the bones before marinating.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the marinade and batter.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy texture, you can double-coat the fish by dipping it in the batter twice before frying.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of minced garlic in the marinade.
• To prevent the fish from sticking to the pan while frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish.
• Serve the Crispy Garlic Fried Fish immediately after frying to maintain its crispiness.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite variation of this dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Crispy Garlic Fried Fish as the main course alongside steamed rice and a side of pickled vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Crispy Garlic Fried Fish fillets on a platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Sprinkle some additional minced garlic on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with a wedge of lemon or calamansi for a tangy touch.