Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Table of contents
This fried fish with xo sauce is a light and healthy dish that is easy to prepare. An excellent mid week meal that everyone loves. The unique umami flavor of the xo sauce compliments the fish perfectly.
Ingredients for fish with xo sauce
White fish – fillets or small whole
vegetable oil
flour
xo sauce
spring onions
ginger – fresh
garlic – fresh
soy sauce
chili – fresh or dried flakes
How to make fried fish with xo sauce
Pan fried fish with xo sauce and spring onions is quick and easy to cook. You can make this recipe with fish fillets or small whole fish. I used whole soldierfish also known as scarlet wrasse. I love this fried red fish and they were a perfect size to fit nicely in my large frying pan. However any white flaky fish works for this recipe.
- Dust the fish or fillets lightly in seasoned flour then
- Fry the fish skin side down until crispy. Set aside.
- Fry the spring onions, garlic, chili and ginger in the same pan for about 1 minute.
- Add the xo sauce to the pan. Cook and whisk.
- Add a dash of water and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Season with soy sauce.
- Serve the fish with light fluffy short or medium grain rice and sauteed green vegetable. A light weeknight meal!
Equipment needed for this recipe
Rice cooker or sauce pan
A good frying pan
Whisk
Chopping board
knife
Xo sauce
This gourmet seafood-based condiment is made of roughly-chopped dried seafood which are cooked with, onions, garlic, chili and other spices.
XO sauce has a unique and intense umami flavor suitable as a seasoning for many Asian dishes. XO sauce is available from the Asian grocery store or online. It’s expensive but you only need to use a little bit in your sauce.
Scarlet wrasse
I love cooking scarlet wrasse also known as soldierfish. It’s under rated here, most fisherman throw it back in the ocean. You often catch it when targeting different more desirable species. We often keep them because they are fantastic when eaten fresh!
Crispy fried scarlet wrasse is a great way to cook and enjoy this fish.
My kids love scarlet wrasse fish and always asks for this fish instead of the main target species. I think it’s mainly because of the bright red beautiful color skin, but they also really like eating this sweet, white, firm fish.
Recipe note
I used Scarlet wrasse (Soldierfish) in this recipe, but any firm white flesh fish works well for this dish.
If you try this fried fish in xo sauce recipe please leave a comment below.
Other articles and recipes you might like to read
Pan fried fish with xo sauce
This recipe is amazing either with small whole fish or fillets shallow- or pan fried skin side down until crispy.
The firm, sweet, white flesh pairs really well with the Asian flavors in this recipe.
Fried fish with xo sauce
Instructions
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Fried fish with xo sauce recipe
- Dust the fish fillets or whole fish in seasoned flour and pan- or shallow fry in the oil until cooked through. (Cooking time varies depending on size of the fish.) Set aside.
- Wipe the pan out with paper towel.
- Fry the spring onions, garlic and ginger in the same pan for about 1 minute.
- Add the xo sauce to the pan. Cook and whisk add a dash of water and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Season with soy sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce on top of the fish.
- Serve with Steamed short grain rice and garden vegetables. Asian greens are the best.
- Enjoy!
This fish comes out so flavorful and works nicely on top of salad or just plain rice!
I love all of the aromatics in this recipe, it’s so delicious!
Thank you Sarah! I appreciate your comment!
I had never had XO sauce before but I love a spicy condiment so I picked some up recently at HMart. Oh. my. gosh…YUM! This recipe is going to be a keeper for me.
Thanks Lisa! I’m glad you like it!
This was SO good, I made it with hake and couldn’t stop eating it. The fish came out super crispy, and the XO sauce was rich and full of flavor. Definitely making this again!
Thanks Zani! I’m pleased to hear that!
This looks absolutely delicious — XO sauce is such a flavor bomb, and I love how you’ve paired it with crispy fried fish. I appreciate how approachable you made the recipe, even for someone who’s never worked with XO sauce before. Definitely enjoyed this during our dinner, used a plant based fish filet to make it vegan friendly!
Thanks Jacqui! I appreciate your comment and happy to hear how you turned it in to a vegan meal!
Amazing! My dad LOVED this recipe it was just right!
I’m pleased to hear that! Thanks Lainey!