The classic fish and chips gets a healthy, Asian makeover - Battered cod with baked carrot and zucchini fries.
If you follow us on Instagram, you saw us receive a gorgeous bounty of individually packaged fish from Sizzlefish. Wheee!! Def worthy of a happy dance. It totally brightened up what started as a somber day...the day I had to bury my dear, faithful lens (50mm/1.8) that had been with me since the beginning of my food blogging journey.
In a desperate attempt to revive my precious companion, I took it to a camera store, but was told that it was beyond repair. Tears started to form (wow..I must've really been attached to the little guy)... However, when I heard the man behind the counter say "why did you buy plastic in the first place?", my feelings of sadness quickly turned to fuming anger.
Come again? Clearly. CLEARLY he didn't know anything about food photography bc that "plastic" is the biggest bang for your buck. Hmph.
Anyway, I just had to share and get that out of my system. Back to the fish. 🙂
As I unpacked the box (with the Hungryman crowding over), we could barely contain ourselves. Naturally we started brainstorming potential recipe ideas. Cedar plank salmon? Rainbow trout with vegetables baked in parchment paper? Fish and chips?? Those were the suggestions that the Hungryman started spouting out of his mouth. He can come up with some brilliant ideas every now and then ;). When he said fish and chips, something just sparked. That's it!
After a quick glimpse at me, the Hungryman said, "I can see the wheels churning. You're trying to 'healthify' this, aren't ya? How about we just have it the classic way?" I kindly shut that idea down. I don't even know why he continues to try.
I didn't completely reject it, though, as (in classic fish and chips fashion) I decided to go with Atlantic cod - two spectacularly milky white pieces. But that's where the similarities would end.
I chose to put an Asian twist on the dish, and before you say "What?! Asian fish and chips?"... Trust me. It works.
The fish couldn't be simpler to make. Season the bite-sized pieces of cod, dust with flour, coat in egg, and cook in vegetable oil. Once done cooking, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to soak up the excess oil.
As for the "chips," I went with oven-baked carrot and zucchini fries. Because the fish comes together rather quickly, I suggest making the chips first so that when the fish is done, you can serve both immediately.
The mild flavor of the fish plus the light batter made these nuggets the perfect vehicle for a dipping sauce. The Hungryman had a ball going back and forth between the lemon soy dipping sauce and the sriracha ketchup that we had made for the chips. Even without the sauces, the firm, flaky (and oh so tasty) cod meat made this dish a joy to eat.
So there you have it! Healthy Asian fish and chips! Now dip away ;).
Ingredients
For the fish
- 10 oz. cod fillet
- 1 ½ teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon white wine
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for dusting
- 1 egg beaten (seasoned with salt and pepper)
- vegetable oil for frying
For the dipping sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Korean chili powder
For the vegetable chips
Instructions
- Cut the fillet into bite-sized pieces and season with soy sauce, white wine, and sesame oil. Set aside for 15-20 minutes. In the meanwhile, prepare the chips.
- Dust with flour, and then coat in egg. Coat a large pan or wok with vegetable oil and place over medium-high heat. Add the fish pieces one by one and fry until lightly browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
- Serve with dipping sauce.
Nutrition
felicia | Dish by Dish says
So sorry to hear about your lens min! I love my 50mm f/1.8 too...and for $100+ bucks, it's definitely great for us food bloggers on a budget!
Oh but these packets of fish sure made your day! If i had so much fish in my freezer, I think I might throw a fish party! Fish is expensive here in Buenos Aires.. and I miss having seafood/fish at my easy disposal as I did back in Singapore!
Sending much love! Hope you get a replacement lens soon!!
xoxo
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
What a sad day for your lens! Fortunately you had all this AMAZING fish to cheer you up. These healthy fish and chips are so pretty, Min. There's a running joke that my dad doesn't understand healthy: "I ate healthy tonight, I had fish and chips" - my dad. But you did it! You actually made fish and chips healthy and I'm so impressed. And I'm so making them.
Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says
Hey Min! So sorry to hear about the lens!! Totally sadness
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
I absolutely love this idea! What a great twist on traditional fish and chips!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I love that the hungry man could spot those wheels turning 😉 You were clearly right to stick to your plan and had great success with it!
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay says
Ha I love how you kindly shut him down! This looks so good!
lindsay says
ive pinned this, shared this, and now i need to make this! or come raid you house for leftovers!
gretchen | kumquat says
the curse of the canon lens. so sorry to hear of its end. RIP. however... fish and chips makes up for the send-off. looks delish!
ellie | fit for the soul says
Did somebody say fish....? This is so awesome, and I really want to try those zucchini fries. They look just like Japanese Tempura. 😀 But oh no......what happened to your lens?! I'm surprised you managed to hold your tears back. :/
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
sorry about the lens 🙁 i just bought myself that lens now im worried....and the fish and chips sounds so goood.
Maggie says
The dish look gorgeous! I love fish and chips, but I always have to deep fry the fish. Will definitely try out this light version with baked veggies! Sounds much healthier 🙂
Really sorry to hear about your lens. I love my camera and lens, and it's hard to imagine if I broke them... I'm using the exactly lens like yours, it's a great lens for food photography. Hope you will find an even better new one soon (maybe f/1.4?)!
Min says
Thank you, Maggie! I guess I'm the exact opposite when it comes to preparing fish ;). Yes, this is certainly a healthier option. You betcha I'm saving up for a better replacement!
Trisha says
Gorgeous fish! I love healthified versions of unhealthy things. The only way my husband will eat fish normally is if it's deep fried. I think I could fool him with this though!