Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag? Look no further than this crispy fried tilapia recipe, bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make at home. Forget bland, overcooked fish – this recipe delivers perfectly flaky, golden-brown tilapia fillets coated in a light and crunchy batter. The vibrant chili sauce adds a delicious spicy kick that perfectly complements the delicate fish, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks.
Imagine enjoying this delectable dish, complete with that satisfying crunch and a flavorful heat that leaves you wanting more. Ready to dive into the details and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- Red Tilapia: 1 kg
- Fried Batter: 1 spoon
- Vegetable Oil
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Chili Peppers: 2 tablespoons, chopped (adjust to taste)
- Palm Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Light Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chicken Dipping Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional)
- MSG: a little (optional)
- Coriander Root: 1 sprig
- Coriander: 2 sprigs
- Plain Water: 200 ml (adjust to fish size)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Fry the Tilapia
- Heat the pan with oil. Add 1 spoon of fried batter to dissolve in the oil. Mix well. This prevents the fish from sticking and reduces oil splattering.
- Fry the tilapia until the bottom is yellow. Flip and fry until both sides are golden brown.
- Set aside the fried fish.
Step 2. Make the Spicy Chili Sauce
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a pan. Add chopped garlic and stir-fry until fragrant and yellow.
- Add chopped chili peppers (adjust to taste) and stir-fry until fragrant and yellow.
- Add palm sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add 200ml plain water (adjust according to fish size).
- Add light soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and optional chicken dipping sauce. Simmer to thicken the sauce.
- Add a little MSG (optional) and coriander to enhance the aroma and color.
Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Add the fried tilapia to the sauce, gently mixing to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- This method ensures the fish doesn't stick to the pan and reduces oil splattering.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
- Adjust the amount of water based on the size of the fish. Smaller fish require less water.
- The sauce can be made thicker by simmering it for a longer time.
- Gently pour the sauce over the fish to prevent it from breaking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading. This helps ensure a crispy result.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili sauce?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or chili paste you add. Start with less and add more to your preference.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
This crispy tilapia pairs perfectly with rice, steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This crispy fried tilapia with spicy chili sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. From the perfectly crunchy exterior to the flavorful, spicy sauce, every bite is a taste of restaurant-quality deliciousness in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish, and don't be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!