Golden Crispy Cumin Fish Fillets

If you’re searching for a go-to fish recipe that is incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and on the table in under an hour, you have come to the right place. This dish transforms simple white fish fillets into something truly special with just a few pantry staples. The magic lies in a simple marinade that banishes any hint of fishiness, followed by a light cornstarch coating that pan-fries to a perfect, golden-brown crust. The result is a wonderfully savory and aromatic main course with a texture that is irresistibly crispy on the outside while the fish inside remains tender, flaky, and moist. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and gentle enough on the palate for even the pickiest eaters in the family. Before you get started, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, so don’t worry if you can’t find one or two specific items. For the fish, I recommend a firm, white-fleshed variety with few bones, such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or pollock. The original recipe calls for Xiang Zao Lu (香糟卤), a fragrant fermented rice wine brine. It has a unique, savory aroma, but can be tricky to find. A fantastic and widely available substitute is Shaoxing cooking wine, or even a dry sherry in a pinch. They both work wonders in the marinade. For the Fish: 2 large firm white fish fillets (about 1 lb or 450g total), such as cod or tilapia 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1/2 teaspoon sugar 2-3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) A generous coating of cornstarch (about 1/3 cup or 40g) For the Aromatics & Garnish: 1-inch piece of ginger 4 scallions 20 Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a unique tingly sensation) Cumin powder, for sprinkling Vegetable oil or canola…