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Ginger Soy Fish

Ginger Soy Fish

This Ginger Soy Fish recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines fresh ginger, savory soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness to elevate firm white fish fillets. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a vibrant, Asian-inspired meal that’s light, protein-packed, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Protein

  • 4 firm white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or snapper), about 6 ounces each

Marinade and Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil, plus extra for cooking
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
  • Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for heat

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: thin slices of red chili or fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, honey, a splash of sesame oil, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. This marinade forms the flavorful base that infuses the fish.
  2. Marinate the Fish: Place the fish fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Allow the fish to soak up the flavors for 10 to 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes to keep the fillets tender and intact.
  3. Heat Your Pan: Warm a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking and boost flavor.
  4. Cook the Fish: Remove the fish from the marinade, reserving the extra liquid. Place the fillets gently onto the hot pan. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Add the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and coat the fish beautifully.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fish to serving plates, drizzle with the pan sauce, and top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic provide the most vibrant flavors compared to dried alternatives.
  • Don’t Over-Marinate: Keep marinating under 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture since fish is delicate.
  • Control the Heat: Use medium-high heat to sear the fish without burning the soy sauce mixture.
  • Pat Fish Dry: Before marinating, gently pat fillets dry to help marinade cling better and prevent steaming.
  • Finish with Acid: A fresh squeeze of lime or lemon just before serving brightens the dish perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: ginger soy fish, quick fish recipe, Asian fish dish, healthy fish dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten free fish recipe, pan-fried fish