Sweet and Sour Fish is one of the most beloved classic Chinese dishes, known for its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The crispy golden fish paired with a glossy red sauce makes it a star on the dinner table — especially during festivals and celebrations in China.

🐟 Dish Name

Sweet and Sour Fish (Tang Cu Yu — 糖醋鱼)

🕒 Time Required

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 3–4 people

📝 Ingredients

🐠 For the Fish:

White fish (fillet or whole fish) – 500 g

Salt – 1 tsp

White pepper powder – ½ tsp

Cornstarch – 3 tbsp

Egg – 1 (beaten)

Oil – for deep frying

🍅 For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:

Tomato ketchup – 4 tbsp

White vinegar – 3 tbsp

Sugar – 2 tbsp

Soy sauce – 1 tbsp

Water – ½ cup

Cornstarch slurry – 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water

🥬 Other:

Ginger (finely chopped) – 1 tbsp

Garlic (chopped) – 1 tbsp

Onion – 1 (cut into chunks)

Bell pepper – 1 (red or green, cut into cubes)

Pineapple chunks – ½ cup (optional)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Sweet and Sour Fish

1. Prepare the Fish

Wash and pat dry the fish.

Season with salt and white pepper; let it rest for 10 minutes.

Coat the fish with cornstarch and dip it into the beaten egg.

2. Fry the Fish

Heat oil in a wok or deep pan.

Deep fry the fish until golden and crispy.

Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

In another pan, heat a little oil.

Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant.

Add onion, bell pepper, and pineapple; stir-fry lightly.

Add ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and water.

Bring to a boil, then add cornstarch slurry while stirring.

The sauce will thicken and turn glossy.

4. Combine Fish with Sauce

Gently add the fried fish to the sauce.

Toss carefully so the sauce coats the fish evenly.

Cook for 1–2 minutes and turn off the heat.

🥢 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or spring onions.

Best enjoyed with steamed rice or fried rice.

🧡 Pro Tips

Don’t keep the fish in the sauce too long or it may lose its crispiness.

Adjust sugar and vinegar to get your preferred sweet-sour balance.

Pineapple adds a nice fruity flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler taste.

✨ Sweet and Sour Fish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to add a flavorful twist to your menu. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor — this dish never disappoints!