Stir-Fried Fish is a classic Thai seafood dish featuring tender fish fillets quickly cooked with garlic, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful Thai-style sauce. Light, healthy, and packed with authentic Thai flavors, this dish is a favorite in homes and restaurants throughout Thailand.

The delicate texture of the fish pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, fish sauce, and aromatic seasonings. Served with steamed jasmine rice, Stir-Fried Fish makes a satisfying and nutritious meal.

What Is Stir-Fried Fish?

Stir-Fried Fish, known as Pla Pad in Thai, is a simple yet flavorful dish where bite-sized pieces of fish are stir-fried over high heat with vegetables and seasonings. Unlike deep-fried fish dishes, this preparation keeps the fish moist and tender while allowing it to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

Popular fish choices include sea bass, snapper, grouper, tilapia, and other firm white fish that hold their shape during cooking.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Light and healthy seafood dish
  • Rich in protein
  • Authentic Thai restaurant-style flavor
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Ready in under 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

  • 500g firm white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup baby corn, sliced
  • 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chicken or seafood stock
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges

Preparation Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

Rinse the fish fillets and pat dry.

Cut into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with a pinch of white pepper.

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Stock
  • White pepper

Mix until well blended.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Add garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Add sliced onion and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add:

  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Baby corn

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5: Add the Fish

Carefully add the fish pieces.

Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the fish.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the wok.

Gently toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Add spring onions and stir briefly.

Remove from heat immediately.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with cilantro and sliced chilies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic fried rice
  • Brown rice

For a complete Thai meal, pair with:

  • Thai Herbal Soup
  • Papaya Salad
  • Stir-Fried Morning Glory
  • Fresh Vegetable Platter

Chef's Tips

Choose Firm Fish

Firm white fish holds its shape better during stir-frying.

Avoid Overcooking

Fish cooks quickly and can become dry if left on the heat too long.

Use High Heat

A hot wok helps create authentic stir-fry flavor while keeping the fish tender.

Stir Gently

Use a spatula to gently turn the fish to prevent it from breaking apart.

Popular Variations

Thai Basil Fish

Add Thai basil leaves during the final minute of cooking for a fragrant herbal flavor.

Spicy Chili Fish

Add bird's eye chilies and chili paste for extra heat.

Ginger Fish Stir-Fry

Add fresh ginger slices for a refreshing and aromatic variation.

Mixed Seafood Stir-Fry

Combine fish with:

  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Mussels

For a deluxe seafood dish.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as cooked fish may lose its texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 240
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Perfect Beverage Pairings

Serve Stir-Fried Fish with:

  • Thai Lemon Tea
  • Coconut Water
  • Pandan Drink
  • Fresh Pineapple Juice

These refreshing drinks complement the delicate flavor of the fish and balance the savory sauce.

Final Thoughts

Stir-Fried Fish is a delicious and healthy Thai seafood dish that combines tender fish, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful Thai-style sauce. Quick to prepare and full of authentic flavor, it is perfect for busy weeknights or special family meals. Serve it with fragrant jasmine rice and enjoy a simple yet satisfying taste of Thailand's seafood cuisine.