Sea Bass with Fiery Ginger and Chilli

1. Prepare the Fish:

• Season the Fillets:

  Lightly season the 6 sea bass fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the fish.

• Slash the Skin:

  Using a sharp knife, make 3 shallow slashes in the skin of each fillet. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking and prevents the fish from curling.

2. Cook the Fish:

• Heat the Pan:

  Place a heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.

• Fry the Fish:

  Once hot, carefully place the fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Fry for about 5 minutes or until the skin is very crisp and golden. The fish should be nearly cooked through by this point.

• Flip the Fillets:

  Gently turn the fillets over using a spatula. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute to finish cooking.
  • Transfer to a Plate:
    Once cooked, transfer the fish to a serving plate and keep warm. You’ll need to repeat this process for the remaining fillets in a second batch, adding a little more oil if necessary.

3. Cook the Aromatics:

• Heat Remaining Oil:

  In the same pan, add the remaining sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat.

• Cook the Aromatics:

  Add the shredded ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and shredded red chillies to the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is golden and fragrant.

• Add Spring Onions:

  Remove the pan from heat and toss in the shredded spring onions. The residual heat will soften the spring onions slightly while retaining their crunch.

4. Serve:

• Add Soy Sauce:

  Splash the cooked fish with a little soy sauce to enhance the flavor.

• Spoon the Aromatics:

  Generously spoon the ginger, garlic, and chilli mixture over the fish. This adds a vibrant kick and aromatic depth to the dish.

Tip: Chinese New Year Significance

• Symbolism of Fish:
  In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes abundance and prosperity, making it a staple on the New Year menu. Traditionally, fish is served with the head and tail intact, representing a good beginning and end to the year. While this recipe uses fillets for simplicity, feel free to adapt it to your preference!

Buying Fish:

• Sustainable Choices:
  When purchasing fish, ask your fishmonger or supermarket for line-caught options. This ensures you’re making a sustainable choice for the environment.