Crispy Fried Fish with Garlic & Vinegar
Whole fish or fillets fried golden and crispy, finished with a sharp garlic-vinegar sauce. Classic Filipino comfort that tastes restaurant-quality in under 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 35g

Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Season inside and out with salt and black pepper.
Step 2
Coat the fish lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
Step 3
Slide the fish into hot oil. Fry 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and flesh flakes easily.
Step 4
Transfer fish to a plate. Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan.
Step 5
Add minced garlic to the pan. Cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant, then add vinegar and a pinch of salt.
Step 6
Pour the warm garlic-vinegar sauce over the fish. Garnish with scallions or cilantro if using. Serve hot.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet (12-inch)
- paper towels
- shallow dish or plate for flour
- tongs or fish spatula
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