Dinner

Cast Iron Asian Inspired Spicy Fish

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Serves
6

Another One skillet dish! Are you guys tired of them…Because I’m not and this time, I’m involving fish because I realized I don’t really have that many fish recipes so here’s a good one to save to your favorites!

So let’s talk about this dish, it has lots of Thai chili peppers, ginger, garlic and Thai chili paste to create a spicy, rich, savory and intense aromatic broth. The fish is very thinly sliced, marinated, and cooked briefly until tender and juicy. It is then finished up by pouring hot oil over the fish and the broth. The boiling oil will further cook the spices to release more fragrance. Every bite of fish will be thinly coated with the sauce and fragrant oil, giving it the most satisfying sensation.

Top-down flat-lay of the black cast iron skillet filled with Asian-inspired spicy fish

Here Are the Step by Step Details:

For this dish, I suggest using a white fish of choice like branzino, sea bass, grouper or snapper, as long as it has a firm texture. After you’ve chosen your fish, to prep it, you’re going to slice the fish thinly by tilting your knife to 45° and slice the fish into 1/4″ (1/2 cm) thick pieces—Check for bones in the fillets and remove them. Next you’re going to season the fish with Salt, black pepper, olive oil, cornstarch and egg white. Leave it marinating for 15 until you’re ready to use.

Slice the garlic, ginger and Thai chili peppers and place them into a bowl. Next, slice the bell peppers and the green onions and place them aside as well.

Cook the Thai Chili paste in olive oil then stir in the garlic, ginger, green onions cook for a few minutes then add in honey and bell peppers. Stir in water and soy sauce to make the broth then carefully add the fish fillets and let them cook all the way through.

For the finishing touch, you’re going to heat some oil (like 1/4 cup) over medium heat in a small pot or saucepan until just smoking. Carefully drizzle the spices over the serving dish. The oil will spatter a bit but shouldn’t cause a mess.

Full overhead view of cast iron Asian-inspired spicy fish showing the entire skillet packed with seasoned white fish pieces in a glistening dark red sauce

How to Serve:

I served this fish over rice but you can serve it on top of pasta, quinoa, cauliflower rice or whatever vegetables you like. Nothing that will take away from the chicken being the star of the meal.

This would be a great dinner option to entertain with as it practically cooks itself and comes out of the oven smelling wonderful and looking absolutely beautiful. You guys know I am all about presentation and I love cooking dishes that are naturally beautiful on their own. A simple garnish of fresh Thai basil is all you need with this dish so this is a major plus in my book and one that will be served often at the house!

Angled close-up of cast iron Asian-inspired spicy fish from slightly below overhead

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys and of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Elevated overhead shot of the entire black cast iron skillet containing Asian-inspired spicy fish
Serves
6
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min

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

  1. Slice the ginger, garlic and Thai peppers. Place them into a bowl.
  2. Slice the Fish fillets at a 45 degree angle and 1/2 inch thick pieces. Next, marinate the fish. Salt, pepper and oil. Mix (best with your hand) everything well. Next, add the egg white and mix, followed by 1½ tablespoons cornstarch. Mix until the marinade starts to feel almost sticky. Put the fish in the refrigerator, and marinate for about 20 minutes.
  3. Heat oil over medium heat and stir in the thai chili paste. Stir for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, green onion and Thai chilis. Cook and stir until fragrant, 1 minute or so and season with salt and pepper. Add the honey and cook for another minute or. Use the back of a spatula to lift as much of the brown bits from the bottom as possible.
  4. Add the peppers to the pan then carefully pour in the water. Add the fillet slices to the pan, a few pieces at a time, and separate them during the process. Poach for 45 second to a minute, or until the fish is just cooked through.
  5. Now, in a small pot, slowly heat up 1/4 cup - 1/2 cup oil. It doesn’t have to be exact, but you should use at least a 1/4 cup. Heat it over medium heat until just smoking and carefully drizzle the oil over the fish.
  6. Serve immediately over rice and garnish with Thai Basil.

Nutrition

Amount per serving · Serves 6
Calories
141
Fat
11g
Sat. Fat
1g
Carbs
11g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
6g
Protein
2g
Sodium
300mg
Cholesterol
1mg
Chef Ana Pozo, founder of Inspired With A Twist