Crispy Fried Tilapia with Basil Sauce: Easy Thai Recipe

Updated at: 15/06/2025

Craving a delicious and authentic Thai dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home? Look no further than this crispy fried tilapia with a vibrant basil sauce! This recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors – the flaky, golden-brown tilapia contrasts beautifully with the fragrant, slightly spicy basil sauce, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Forget takeout; you'll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

This recipe uses readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve perfectly crispy fish and a flavorful sauce that will leave you wanting more. Ready to dive into the delicious details? Let's get started with our step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Pan
  • Spatula

Ingredients

  • Red Chili Peppers: 15
  • Garlic (Chinese Garlic): 1 head
  • Holy Basil Leaves
  • Nile Tilapia: 1
  • Cooking Oil
  • Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Light Soy Sauce
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • MSG or Seasoning Powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Fry Tilapia

  • Prepare the chili peppers and garlic. Chop them finely.
  • Wash and prepare the holy basil leaves.
  • Heat a pan with oil and fry the tilapia until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the tilapia from the pan and drain excess oil.
Prepare the chili peppers and garlic. Chop them finely.Wash and prepare the holy basil leaves.Heat a pan with oil and fry the tilapia until both sides are golden brown and crispy.Remove the tilapia from the pan and drain excess oil.
Prepare Ingredients and Fry Tilapia

Step 2. Make the Basil Sauce

  • In a separate pan, heat a little oil and stir-fry the garlic and chili peppers until fragrant.
  • Add water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir-fry until well combined.
  • Add MSG or seasoning powder (optional).
  • Add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry briefly until wilted.
In a separate pan, heat a little oil and stir-fry the garlic and chili peppers until fragrant.Add water, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir-fry until well combined.Add MSG or seasoning powder (optional).Add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry briefly until wilted.
Make the Basil Sauce
  • Turn off the heat.
Turn off the heat.
Make the Basil Sauce

Step 3. Combine and Serve

  • Pour the basil sauce over the fried tilapia and serve.
Pour the basil sauce over the fried tilapia and serve.
Combine and Serve

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

Tips

  • Use pre-made, cleaned tilapia fillets to save time.
  • Don't overcook the basil leaves, as this will make them lose their vibrant color and fresh taste.

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 basil sauce spicier?

Add more chili flakes or a chopped Thai chili to the sauce for extra heat. You can also use a spicier variety of basil if you prefer.


This Crispy Fried Tilapia with Basil Sauce recipe is a testament to how simple yet satisfying Thai cuisine can be. Enjoy the delightful crunch of the fish and the aromatic burst of the basil sauce – a perfect weeknight meal or impressive dish for guests. Now go ahead and impress yourself (and others!) with this easy-to-follow recipe!