Sweet Black Pepper Fish Recipe

This incredibly flavorful Sweet Black Pepper Fish recipe, adapted from Cooking Light magazine (Jan/Feb 04), is a quick and easy weeknight dinner winner! Tender fish is simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce with fragrant lemongrass (or lemon zest), garlic, and black pepper. The cornstarch-thickened sauce adds a luxurious touch. Get ready for a burst of deliciousness in just 22 minutes!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 22 mins
Calories 296.8 kcal
Protein 94g
Rating Be the first
Sweet Black Pepper Fish 72

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sweet Black Pepper Fish

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How to Make Sweet Black Pepper Fish

  1. In a large nonstick skillet, combine 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon fish sauce.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Add 2 stalks lemongrass (finely chopped) or 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly reduces.
  5. Add 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion, and 1 pound fish fillets (e.g., cod, tilapia, or snapper). Cook over medium-high heat for 7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, turning once halfway through.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth. Stir into the skillet.
  7. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

41 g

Sugar

41g

Fat

3g

Carbs

4g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Seafood Cod Recipes Asian Thai Vietnamese The Americas American Healthy Gluten Free One Pot Meals 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Healthy Main Dish Seafood Asian Low Fat Fish Dietary Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie High Protein Low Carb High In Something Low In Something Saltwater Fish Halibut

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Sweet Black Pepper Fish?

Sweet Black Pepper Fish takes about 32 minutes from start to finish — roughly 10 minutes to prepare and 22 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Sweet Black Pepper Fish?

Sweet Black Pepper Fish has approximately 296.8 calories per serving, with about 94 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates and 7 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Sweet Black Pepper Fish?

The key ingredients for Sweet Black Pepper Fish are Water, Sugar, Thai Fish Sauce, Fresh Lemongrass, Fresh Garlic, Fresh Ground Black Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.

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