Fried Bass Fillets with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Crispy-fried Asian-style battered fish served with a spicy sweet and sour sauce.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound sea bass fillets, cut into 3/4-inch-wide slices
3 tablespoons cornstarch - divided use
1 cup all purpose flour
4 tablespoons vegetable oil - divided use
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 cup pineapple juice
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

Cooking Directions:

1. Toss fish pieces with 2 tablespoons cornstarch in medium bowl to coat.
2. Mix flour, 3 tablespoons oil, baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in small bowl; gradually add water, whisking until batter is smooth. Pour batter over fish and stir to coat. Let stand 15 minutes.
3. Whisk remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch, pineapple juice, sugar, vinegar, Tabasco sauce and 1/8 teaspoon salt in small bowl to blend.
4. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and lemon peel and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add bell pepper and stir-fry just to heat through, about 30 seconds. Add pineapple juice mixture and cook until sauce is thick and clear, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
5. Heat 4 cups oil in wok or deep medium saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Add batter-coated fish pieces to oil in batches and fry until crisp and golden, about 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer fish to paper towels to drain.
6. Arrange fish on platter. Reheat sauce and spoon over fish to serve.

Makes 4 servings.