Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this recipe for crispy fried tilapia with a fragrant herb stir-fry. This Thai-inspired recipe elevates the humble tilapia fillet to a culinary masterpiece, showcasing its delicate flavor beautifully. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to succulent, flaky white fish, perfectly complemented by the bright, herbaceous stir-fry. Imagine the enticing aroma of garlic, ginger, and a medley of fresh herbs filling your kitchen as you cook.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. It’s surprisingly easy to execute, even for beginner cooks, and requires readily available ingredients. Ready to create this delicious dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of making this unforgettable crispy fried tilapia with herb stir-fry.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Tilapia (medium-sized): 2
- Coriander roots: 2
- Garlic (Chinese): 5 cloves
- Red chili peppers: 6 (or to taste)
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks, sliced
- Young galangal: 2 tablespoons, sliced
- Shallots: 5, sliced
- Kaffir lime leaves: 5, torn
- Basil leaves: 2 handfuls
- Vegetable oil
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- White soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 2 ladles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Fry the Tilapia
- Wash and clean 2 medium-sized tilapia. Cut into pieces.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tilapia and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove tilapia and set aside to drain oil.
Step 2. Make the Herb Stir-fry Sauce
- Chop 2 coriander roots and pound them finely. Pound 5 cloves of garlic and 6 red chili peppers (or to taste).
- Mix pounded ingredients together.
- Place a pan on the stove and add a little vegetable oil. Add the chili, garlic, and coriander mixture and stir-fry until cooked and fragrant (low heat).
- Add 2 ladles of water, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon white soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir-fry until well blended (medium heat).
Step 3. Combine and Finish the Dish
- Add the fried tilapia to the pan.
- 2 sliced lemongrass stalks, 2 tablespoons sliced young galangal, 5 sliced shallots, 5 torn kaffir lime leaves, and 2 handfuls of basil leaves. Stir-fry until cooked and fragrant.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- You can use various types of fish.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your liking.
- This dish pairs perfectly with hot rice and a little extra fish sauce.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before breading and frying for the crispiest results.
2. What herbs can I substitute if I don't have all the ones listed?
Feel free to experiment! Basil, cilantro, and mint are great substitutes, or use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. The key is to have a good balance of flavors.
This Crispy Fried Tilapia with Herb Stir-fry recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated through skillful preparation. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, the vibrant flavors, and the ease with which this delicious dish comes together. Impress your family and friends with this unforgettable Thai-inspired meal!