fish with tomato sauce

How to Make Sweet and Sour Fried Hairtail

Sweet and sour fried hairtail is a beloved dish, crispy outside and tender inside, with a tangy-sweet sauce that whets the appetite. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 500g fresh hairtail (cleaned and cut into 5cm pieces), 1 tbsp ginger (minced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 green pepper (sliced), 1 carrot (sliced), 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp soy sauce, and oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Prepare the fish: Rinse hairtail and pat dry. Mix flour and cornstarch with a little water to make a thin batter. Coat each fish piece evenly and deep-fry at 180°C until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.

2. Make the sauce: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and 100ml water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Combine: Add fried hairtail, green pepper, and carrot to the sauce. Stir-fry over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the fish is well-coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve hot with steamed rice. The crispy fish pairs perfectly with the vibrant, tangy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Enjoy this homemade restaurant favorite!