Sweet and Sour Tilapia

There’s something comforting about the combination of sweet and tangy sauce over crispy fish. Growing up, this dish would often show up on our family table during weekends or special gatherings. It’s simple enough for a casual dinner but flavorful enough to impress guests. Tilapia makes it budget-friendly and accessible, but the taste still feels like something you’d order at your favorite family-style restaurant.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe

This sweet and sour tilapia is simple, versatile, and full of flavor. The crispy golden fish paired with that bright, tangy sauce never fails to hit the spot.

I love that this dish comes together quickly without complicated ingredients. Even if it’s your first time cooking fish, you’ll feel like a pro by the end of this recipe. And trust me — when that sweet and tangy aroma fills your kitchen, everyone will be waiting by the table, rice bowls ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this recipe shine:

• Whole tilapia – Fresh is best, but frozen works as long as it’s fully thawed and cleaned. Tilapia is affordable and mild, so it soaks up all the flavors of the sauce.

• Knorr liquid seasoning – A quick marinade that builds a solid base of flavor.

• Aromatics – Garlic, onion, and ginger create a rich base for the sauce.

• Vinegar and ketchup – These are the backbone of the sweet and sour flavor.

• Sugar – Balances the tanginess.

• Carrots and bell peppers – Add color, texture, and a hint of natural sweetness.

• Cornstarch slurry – For that glossy, thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the fish.

• Salt and pepper – To finish everything off just right.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish

• Clean the tilapia thoroughly, making small incisions on both sides for better flavor absorption.

• Rub the fish generously with liquid seasoning, making sure to get into the cuts and cavity. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

2. Fry the Fish

• Heat enough oil in a pan over medium heat.

• Fry the fish on both sides until golden brown. Use a splatter screen if you have one — it saves you from the pop of hot oil.

• You’ll know the fish is ready when the crackling sound of the oil starts to calm down.

• Remove the fish and set aside on a clean plate.

3. Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce

• In a clean pan or wok, sauté garlic, onion, and ginger until fragrant.

• Pour in vinegar and water, bring to a boil, then add ketchup and stir well.

• Add sugar and mix until dissolved.

• Toss in the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for 3 minutes to keep them slightly crisp.

• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve

• Gently place the fried tilapia into the sauce, spooning the mixture over the fish. Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

• Serve hot with a big bowl of steamed white rice or garlic fried rice.

Tips and Tricks

• Use what you have. Tilapia is great, but red snapper or grouper are also delicious options.

• Fry first, then sauce. If you prefer a lighter coating, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it just before serving to keep the fish crisp.

• Don’t rush the marinade. Those extra 10 minutes with the seasoning really enhance the flavor.

• Balance the sauce. Taste as you go — add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or a little extra vinegar if you like more tang.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The fish will lose its crispiness, but the flavors only get richer.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the sauce and texture of the fish don’t hold up well after thawing.

Pairing Suggestions

This sweet and sour tilapia pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed or garlic fried rice

• Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or green beans

• Light soups like miso soup or clear broth to balance the richness

FAQs

Can I make this with fish fillets instead of whole tilapia?
Yes! Tilapia fillets work perfectly, and they make serving easier. Just adjust the frying time — they cook faster than whole fish.

Can I bake instead of fry?
You can, but the fish won’t be as crispy. Brush it with a bit of oil, bake at 400°F until cooked through, then pour the sauce over just before serving.

How do I keep the fish from sticking to the pan?
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish and don’t move it around too much while frying. Let the crust form, then flip carefully.

Can I add pineapple to the sauce?
Absolutely! Pineapple chunks add a bright sweetness that complements the sauce beautifully.

Continue to Content

Yield: 3

Sweet and Sour Tilapia

Print

This crispy fried tilapia smothered in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce is a classic comfort dish you can whip up in under an hour.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 whole tilapia, cleaned
• 1 ¼ cup cooking oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons soy-based liquid seasoning
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 thumbs ginger, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cups water
• 5 ½ tablespoons white vinegar
• 8 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 7 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate the fish: Rub the tilapia with the liquid seasoning and let it rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavor.
2. Fry the tilapia: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the tilapia until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat a little oil. Sauté onion and garlic briefly, then add the ginger for a fragrant base.
4. Build the flavor: Pour in the vinegar and water, bringing it to a boil. Stir in the ketchup until fully dissolved, then add the sugar, mixing until incorporated.
5. Add vegetables: Toss in the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for about 3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water, then pour into the pan while stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine and serve: Gently place the fried tilapia into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with white rice.

Nutrition Information

Yield

3

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 1219Total Fat 97gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 85gCholesterol 65mgSodium 2186mgCarbohydrates 61gFiber 3gSugar 44gProtein 32g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thought

This sweet and sour tilapia is one of those recipes that makes home-cooked meals feel extra special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but it has that “wow” factor when you place it on the table.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish brings together familiar flavors in a way that always feels satisfying. Grab some rice, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy every tangy, crispy, saucy bite.

Also try these Fish recipes:-

• Pickled Fish
• Baked Monkfish With Lemon Butter Sauce
• White Fish Fillets with Ginger and Soy