Description
This Cast Iron Asian Inspired Fish recipe features perfectly seared white fish fillets marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce. Cooked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy exterior and tender interior, it’s garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian flair. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious meal ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and hoisin sauce until well combined to create the flavorful marinade.
- Marinate Fish: Place the white fish fillets into a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil to the skillet and allow it to heat until shimmering to ensure the fish will sear properly.
- Cook Fish: Remove the fish fillets from the marinade, reserving the excess marinade separately. Place the fillets carefully into the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the center.
- Finish with Marinade: During the last minute of cooking, pour the reserved marinade over the fish fillets to warm the sauce and infuse additional flavor without overcooking the fish.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the cooked fish with the sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top for texture and appearance.
- Serve: Serve the Asian inspired fish hot alongside steamed rice or your preferred side dishes to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use firm white fish fillets such as tilapia, cod, or snapper for best results.
- Do not marinate the fish for more than 30 minutes to avoid breaking down the texture.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan can be used but may not produce the same crispiness.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice before serving for brightness.
