Description
An easy pan-fried fish recipe featuring white fish fillets for quick cooking and a savory miso soy glaze. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs thin fish fillets (see notes)
- 1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon roasted white sesame seeds (optional)
- Neutral oil for frying
- 1/4 cup flour (corn starch, potato starch or all-purpose flour)
- Thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds until melted. Mix in light soy sauce, miso paste, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame seeds. If you prefer a bit of sweetness, add sugar or honey to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the fish: Give the fish a quick rinse to remove any fish smell and pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. Lightly coat each fillet in flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
- Pan fry the fish: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to create a shallow pool, about ¼ inch deep. When the oil is hot (test by dropping a pinch of flour—it should sizzle), add the fish fillets. Fry the fish fillets in batches if needed. Pan fry for about 4 minutes on one side on high heat, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fish and set aside. Carefully remove most of the oil from the pan, leaving just a shallow layer then return the fish back to the pan. You can return one fillet at a time or all at once if your pan fits.
- Add the sauce: Add the miso garlic butter sauce into the small pool of oil in the pan. The oil helps emulsify the miso paste and spread it evenly. Stir gently until the sauce bubbles and the garlic and sesame seeds in the sauce gets toasted and fragrant (about 10 seconds). Keep in mind the miso sauce is quite salty. If using just one fillet, start with a teaspoon. If using all fillets at once, add it all. Spoon the sauce over each piece to coat them thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the fish to a plate and top with cilantro or green onion ribbons for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
You can use tilapia, cod, halibut, mahi mahi, snapper, or salmon. If using thicker fillets (over 1/2 inch thickness), season lightly with salt and ground black pepper before coating with flour to pan fry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, fusion, Japanese