Fish with Black Bean Sauce

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Happy Father’s Day!  I am lucky enough that while you are reading this I am on my way home to Pittsburgh to see my dad for Father’s Day.  Not only that but my brother and I are running in Pittsburgh’s version of The Amazing Race so it should be an action packed day.

I’m always on the lookout for new fish recipes.  I’ve only been eating fish for a handful of years now and I’m not very good at cooking it.  Whenever I eat fish I think of my dad.  When we were little he used to take my brother and I fishing every summer.  I was not your typical girly girl and I loved putting the worm on my hook and pulling the fish out of the water.  I stopped fishing when I hit 16 but my brother and my dad still go together to this day.

Another reason fish make me think of my dad because growing up I flat out refused to eat them so we never had fish at home.  Mom never cooked fish unless it was something we brought home whenever we went fishing.  So many times when we go out to eat my father would order fish and chips or a fish sandwich since he never got to eat fish at home.  Now that I do eat a limited number of fish I’m hoping to cook it for him someday day.

I wanted to make a fish dish for Father’s Day to show my dad I’m thinking about him. He is such a patient and kind man and he’s the best listener there is.  So I set off searching for the perfect fish recipe.  I’ve seen recipes for fish with black bean sauce before but I’ve never wanted to try them because they looked too complicated.  When I came across this recipe it looked easy enough so I gave it a try.

Dad’s 60th Birthday Party

The fish was cooked almost perfectly in the oven with the peppers.  I love that you put the fish in the parchment paper to cook because it seals in the juices and flavors.  The black bean sauce was thick and a little salty.  It made the perfect pairing for the light flavor of the tilapia.  The vegetables added color and flavor to this dish as well.  I hope I get to make this for my dad soon!

 
Fish with Black Bean Sauce (adapted from Tes atHome )
 
4 tilapia filets
½ c. green peppers, thinly sliced
½ c. red pepper, thinly sliced
½ c. onions, thinly sliced
1 T. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. ginger, chopped
1 T. sesame oil
2 T. green chili, chopped
2 T. black bean paste
1 T. sugar
1 T. cornstarch
2 T. rice vinegar
1 T. soy sauce
1-2 T. water
1.        Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2.       Cut 4 parchment squares.  On each square place a tilapia filet.  Season with salt and pepper then place ¼ of the peppers and onion on top of it.  Fold parchment over each fish and roll to seal, creating a parchment packet.
3.       Place parchment packets on a baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes.
4.       Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet.  Add garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant.   Add all additional ingredients to pan except water and cook for 4-5 minutes.  Add in water until the sauce is thick, but spreadable.
5.       Remove parchment packets from the oven.  Place fish and vegetables on a plate and top with black bean sauce.  Serve with rice.

14 Comments

  1. I love Black Bean sauce but never made it from scratch!I’ve got to try this recipe since we’re big time fish eaters here :)Lovely pics with your Dad 🙂

  2. This looks like a fantastic recipe. I am very challenged when it comes to cooking fish and am only making salmon. Thank you for sharing this! It looks great! ~ Bea

  3. I’ve never had snapper! I’ve been meaning to try cooking the fish “en papillote” but have never done it. Looks like it turned out delicious.

  4. I love black bean paste but I’ve never thought to use it on fish. Which needs to be rectified immediately. Your fish is so beautiful with the sauce and peppers! How great that you get to spend Fathers’ Day with your father!

    I am intrigued by your participation in Pittsburgh’s amazing race. Hope you have a blast!

  5. Your post has brought back so many memories for me. My dad used to take us fishing when I was kid too. He did have to put the worm on my hook. I couldn’t bring myself to touching that squiggly thing. Anyway, fish cooked in parchment is so wonderful. And the black bean sauce is a fabulous topping. Enjoy your day with your dad!

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