Imagine a dish that combines the delicate, flaky texture of fresh flounder with a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Asian-inspired recipe is not just another fish dish – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you to the bustling street markets of Southeast Asia with just one bite. Perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a quick, impressive meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 flounder fillets
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 flounder fillets, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 sliced bell pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the flounder fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Whisk together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will be your sweet and sour sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent sticking.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned flounder fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the sautéed bell peppers in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the cooked flounder fillets to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce and bell peppers over the fish. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the fish through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.
- Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the flounder fillets topped with the sweet and sour sauce and bell peppers.
- Enjoy your Flounder in Sweet Sour Sauce with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality flounder fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use medium heat when cooking the fish to prevent burning and maintain its delicate texture.
- Don't overcook the bell peppers – they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Whisk the sauce thoroughly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the fish at its most tender and the sauce at its freshest.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or light noodles to complement the sweet and sour flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
