Crispy Fried Tilapia with 3-Flavor Sauce: Easy Thai Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this recipe for Crispy Fried Tilapia with Three-Flavor Sauce! This Thai-inspired recipe delivers perfectly crispy, flaky tilapia fillets coated in a golden-brown crust, complemented by a zesty, sweet, and savory three-flavor sauce that's simply irresistible. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is designed for even the busiest weeknights, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag. The combination of textures and tastes is truly unforgettable – the delicate fish against the rich, complex sauce is a culinary delight.

This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a special occasion. Get ready to elevate your fish game with this stunning recipe. Ready to learn how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Frying Pan

Ingredients

  • Tilapia: 800 grams
  • Ginger
  • Palm Sugar
  • Fish Sauce
  • Water
  • Tamarind Juice
  • Coriander Root
  • Garlic
  • Red Chili Peppers
  • Coriander Leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia

  • Remove black stains by scraping with a spoon. This helps reduce fishy odor.
  • Remove gills and any unwanted parts, like the head if desired.
  • Cut the tilapia into portions, considering the bone structure for even cooking.
Clean the tilapia: Remove black stains by scraping with a spoon. This helps reduce fishy odor.Clean the tilapia: Remove gills and any unwanted parts, like the head if desired. Cut the tilapia: Cut the tilapia into portions, considering the bone structure for even cooking.
Prepare the Tilapia

Step 2. Fry the Tilapia

  • Heat oil in a frying pan, add sliced ginger for fragrance. Check oil temperature by adding a small piece of tilapia to see if it sizzles.
  • Fry the tilapia for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside.
  • Remove the fried tilapia and set aside to drain excess oil.
Heat the oil: Heat oil in a frying pan, add sliced ginger for fragrance. Check oil temperature by adding a small piece of tilapia to see if it sizzles.Fry the tilapia: Fry the tilapia for 7-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside.Remove and drain: Remove the fried tilapia and set aside to drain excess oil.
Fry the Tilapia

Step 3. Make the 3-Flavor Sauce

  • Combine palm sugar, fish sauce, and water in a pan. Simmer until the sugar melts.
  • Add tamarind juice to the sauce and continue simmering.
  • Add chopped coriander root, garlic, and chili peppers to the sauce. Simmer until cooked through and fragrant.
  • Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Make the sauce: Combine palm sugar, fish sauce, and water in a pan. Simmer until the sugar melts. Add tamarind juice: Add tamarind juice to the sauce and continue simmering.Add aromatics: Add chopped coriander root, garlic, and chili peppers to the sauce. Simmer until cooked through and fragrant.Thicken the sauce: Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Make the 3-Flavor Sauce

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Pour the three-flavor sauce over the fried tilapia. Garnish with coriander leaves and chili pepper strips before serving.
Combine and garnish: Pour the three-flavor sauce over the fried tilapia. Garnish with coriander leaves and chili pepper strips before serving.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe

Tips

  • To reduce fishy smell, thoroughly clean the tilapia and scrape off any black stains.
  • The ratios of ingredients for the sauce are available in the video description.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fish instead of tilapia?

Yes! Other firm, white fish like cod, snapper, or catfish would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fish.

2. How can I make the three-flavor sauce spicier?

Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it's simmering, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to taste. Sriracha would be a great addition!


This Crispy Fried Tilapia with Three-Flavor Sauce recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. The delightful combination of textures and flavors will leave you wanting more, and the ease of preparation makes it a perfect addition to your weekly cooking repertoire. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying Thai-inspired dish!