Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper (Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum)

The classic Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper (Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum) is one of Thailand’s most flavorful seafood dishes, offering the perfect balance of savory, peppery, and slightly spicy notes. Many home cooks often struggle with keeping the fish fillet tender while achieving a fragrant stir-fry aroma. This dish provides an easy solution — a quick-cooking method that preserves the fish’s freshness while enhancing it with aromatic black pepper and Thai-style seasonings. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, anyone can prepare this delightful Thai stir-fry at home.

What Makes Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum Special

This Thai stir-fried fish fillet dish stands out because of its unique flavor profile. The black pepper adds warmth and depth, balancing beautifully with garlic, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. The sauce clings perfectly to the golden, crispy fish fillet, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether served with steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper offers a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Bold and peppery flavor from crushed black peppercorns
Perfect texture balance — crispy outside, tender inside
Quick and easy cooking time under 20 minutes
Pairs well with a variety of side dishes or stir-fried vegetables

Ingredients for Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper

Before you begin cooking Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum, prepare all the ingredients for efficiency. Using fresh ingredients ensures the best taste and aroma.

300 g white fish fillet (such as snapper or sea bass), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water or broth
Coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Method for Cooking Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum

Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly seasoned and aromatic Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper. The process is simple but requires attention to heat and timing.

Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillet dry with paper towels. Lightly season with a pinch of salt and coat with a thin layer of flour to keep it from breaking during frying.
Fry the fish: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the fish until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, reduce the oil to about one tablespoon. Add chopped garlic and onion. Stir-fry until fragrant.
Add flavor: Stir in crushed black pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a little water. Stir well until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine everything: Add the fried fish back into the pan. Toss gently to coat the fish evenly with the sauce.
Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with coriander leaves and sliced chili, and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper

Cooking Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum perfectly every time depends on a few key techniques. Here are essential tips to make your dish more flavorful and authentic.

Use firm white fish that holds together when stir-fried, such as snapper or cod.
Do not overcook the fish — remove it from the pan once it turns golden to avoid dryness.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for maximum aroma and flavor intensity.
Adjust the heat with fresh or dried chili according to your spice preference.
To create a glossy sauce, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the final toss.

Serving Suggestions for Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum

This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, offering a full, satisfying meal. You can also add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a balanced plate. It’s a popular choice in Thai home cooking and is often found in local restaurants across Thailand.

Serve with steamed rice for a traditional Thai-style meal.
Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
Pair with soup dishes like Tom Yum or clear vegetable soup for contrast in texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love Cooking This Thai Black Pepper Fish

What makes Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper so appealing is its versatility. It’s an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that doesn’t require many ingredients or complex techniques. You can substitute chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same aromatic sauce. It’s ideal for both busy weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Summary

Stir-Fried Fish Fillet with Black Pepper (Pla Pad Prik Thai Dum) combines the delicate texture of fish with the bold aroma of Thai black pepper and garlic. With its quick preparation, simple ingredients, and rich, peppery flavor, this dish captures the essence of Thai home cooking. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned cook, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Thailand straight to your kitchen.