Savor the delicate fusion of aromatic ginger, fresh scallions, and tender fish in this Pan-Fried Fish—a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the guilt, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. It’s proof that healthy eating can be both simple and sensational! A wholesome, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weight Watchers-Friendly: 3 SmartPoints® per serving (Blue Plan).
- Ready in 20 Minutes: From prep to plate, faster than takeout!
- Bursting with Freshness: Ginger and scallions add vibrant, zesty flavor.
- High-Protein, Low-Calorie: Ideal for fueling your wellness journey.
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or sole, 4–6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or cooking spray for 0 points)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tsp honey (or sugar-free substitute like monk fruit)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prep the Fish:
Pat fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Pan-Fry the Fish:
Heat sesame oil (or cooking spray) in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add white parts of scallions and sauté 1–2 minutes. Pour in the sauce and simmer 1 minute until fragrant.
Finish & Serve:
Return fish to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with green scallions and lime wedges.

Nutrition & SmartPoints®
Per serving (1 fillet + sauce):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- SmartPoints®: 3 (Blue Plan with cooking spray reduces to 2)*
Points may vary with oil usage or added ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Cauliflower Rice: A zero-point base to soak up the savory sauce.
- With Steamed Veggies: Try bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli (0 points).
- Asian-Inspired Salad: Toss with cabbage, carrots, and a dash of sesame seeds (+1 SmartPoint®).
Pro Tips
- Crispy Skin Hack: For skin-on fish, start skin-side down and press gently to prevent curling.
- No Stick, No Fuss: Use a non-stick skillet or parchment paper to minimize oil.
- Meal Prep: Double the sauce and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Vegan Twist: Substitute fish with extra-firm tofu (adjust points).
- Extra Zing: Finish with a squeeze of lime or a dash of sriracha.
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss
- Lean Protein: Fish keeps you full and supports muscle health.
- Low-Calorie Flavor Bomb: Ginger, garlic, and scallions add depth without extra points.
- Smart Swaps: Cooking spray and sugar substitutes keep indulgence in check.
This Pan-Fried Fish with Ginger and Scallions is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. With its golden crust, tender flesh, and aromatic sauce, it’s a dish that feels gourmet . Whip it up for a quick dinner, impress guests, or meal prep for lunches—every bite is a reminder that healthy eating is anything but bland!
How to Make Pan-Fried Fish with Ginger and Scallions
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes180
kcalIngredients
4 white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or sole, 4–6 oz each)
1 tbsp sesame oil (or cooking spray for 0 points)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
1 tsp honey (or sugar-free substitute like monk fruit)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Fish:
Pat fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. - Pan-Fry the Fish:
Heat sesame oil (or cooking spray) in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add white parts of scallions and sauté 1–2 minutes. Pour in the sauce and simmer 1 minute until fragrant. - Finish & Serve:
Return fish to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Garnish with green scallions and lime wedges.
Notes
- Crispy Skin Hack: For skin-on fish, start skin-side down and press gently to prevent curling.
No Stick, No Fuss: Use a non-stick skillet or parchment paper to minimize oil.
Meal Prep: Double the sauce and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Vegan Twist: Substitute fish with extra-firm tofu (adjust points).
Extra Zing: Finish with a squeeze of lime or a dash of sriracha.