Fish in Sweet and Sour Pineapple Ginger Sauce
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This fish in sweet and sour pineapple ginger sauce is a delicious, quick meal bursting with bold flavors! Tender, crispy fish fillets are coated in a tangy, homemade sauce made with fresh pineapple, ginger, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for quick and easy dinner recipes that my whole family will love—especially on hectic weekdays. This “sweet and sour ” Tilapia recipe is one of my absolute go-to meals because it’s fast, flavorful, and better than takeout! My kids love it especially my son Ian due to the sweet and tangy sauce and I love it because it’s ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort—talk about a win-win!
This Chinese-inspired sweet and sour fish is incredibly delicious, crispy, and packed with flavor. It’s a regular in our weekly meal rotation because it’s the best recipe when you need something easy, homemade, and bursting with flavor. If you’re looking for an easy sweet and sour fish recipe, this is the one to try! Serve it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Sweet and Sour Fish Recipe
Kid-Approved – The sweet pineapple sauce makes this dish a favorite for little ones.
Quick & Easy – Perfect for busy moms who need a meal on the table fast.
Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade flavors without the wait!
Perfect for Weeknights – Light, crispy tilapia coated in a delicious pineapple ginger sauce !
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tilapia fillets – Light, flaky, and perfect for frying.
Pineapple slices or chunks – Adds natural sweetness and flavor.
Bell peppers & onions – For a pop of color and crunch.
Homemade sweet and sour sauce – Made with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and five-spice powder.
Sesame oil – Enhances the Asian flavors.
Scallions & hot peppers (optional) – For garnish and extra heat
Better Than Takeout – Ready in 40 Minutes!
This sweet and sour fish in pineapple ginger sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves quick and delicious Asian-style recipes. It’s crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying!
Bon Appétit!
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Fish in Sweet and Sour Pineapple Ginger Sauce
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Yeild: 2-3
Description
Looking for a fast and delicious lunch idea? This crispy sweet and sour fish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, made with pineapple, bell peppers, and a homemade sweet and sour sauce. It’s a better-than-takeout Chinese-style recipe that you can whip up in under 40 minutes! Serve it with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick homemade lunch
Ingredients
Sweet and Sour Tilapia
- 5–6 pieces of tilapia fillets, cut into medium-sized squares
- 1 can of pineapple slices or chunks (use 2–3 slices, cut)
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- ⅓ green bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 2 tsp sesame oil for rich flavor
- 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Chopped scallions for garnish
- *Optional: Chopped hot pepper for a spicy kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup for a tangy base
- 1.5 tbsp white vinegar for that signature sour kick
- 4 tbsp brown sugar to balance sweetness
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor
- ¼ tsp cornstarch to thicken the sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple) for natural sweetness
- ½ tsp dark soy sauce for depth and umami
- ½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder for an authentic Asian flavor
- 1 tbsp water to adjust consistency
Instructions
- 1Prepare the Fish: Rinse tilapia fillets with fresh lemon juice, then pat dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor
- 2Coat and Fry: Dredge the fish in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and deep-fry the fillets until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- 3Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, cornstarch, pineapple juice, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, and water. Set aside.
- 4Pro Tip: If you only have regular soy sauce, add a few drops of browning sauce to mimic the rich depth of dark soy sauce—this trick works perfectly!
- 5Sauté the Vegetables: In a wok or skillet, heat 4 tbsp of vegetable oil + sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
- 6Combine Everything: Add the crispy fried tilapia fillets along with pineapple slices or chunks. Pour in the homemade sweet and sour sauce and stir to coat everything evenly
- 7Season to Taste: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. If you love spice, toss in some chopped hot peppers for a fiery kick!
- 8Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh scallions on top for a burst of freshness.
Category: LunchQuick and Easy Weeknight DinnerTropical Flavors
Keywords:
Lunch Meal, Fish
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