Indulge your senses with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Crispy Red Tilapia with Holy Basil Stir-fry – a dish that effortlessly blends the delicate sweetness of tilapia with the aromatic punch of holy basil. This restaurant-quality recipe is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, transforming a simple weeknight meal into a culinary adventure. Imagine the satisfying crunch of perfectly pan-fried tilapia, complemented by the fragrant, slightly peppery notes of the holy basil stir-fry. The rich sauce, infused with a hint of garlic and ginger, perfectly coats the fish, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Prepare to elevate your culinary game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. Ready to transform ordinary tilapia into an extraordinary experience? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Frying Pan
- Mortar and Pestle
Ingredients
- Red Tilapia
- Thai Garlic: 2 heads
- Red Chili Peppers: 13
- Holy Basil Leaves
- Young Chili Peppers
- Vegetable Oil
- Water
- Fish Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- White Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Sweetener (White Sugar): 1/2 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Crisp the Tilapia
- Pat the red tilapia fillets dry with tissue paper. This prevents oil splattering when frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until hot. Fry the tilapia pieces until golden yellow and crispy on both sides. Set aside.
Step 2. Make the Holy Basil Sauce
- Pound garlic and chili peppers using a mortar and pestle.
- Stir-fry the pounded garlic and chili until fragrant.
- Add water to the pan and adjust the amount to your preference.
- Add fish sauce, white soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sweetener to create the sauce.
Step 3. Combine and Finish the Dish
- Add the fried tilapia to the sauce and stir-fry.
- Add holy basil leaves and young chili peppers (green or red, to your preference).
- Stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Drying the fish thoroughly before frying prevents sticking and oil splattering.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your spice preference.
- Dark soy sauce adds a beautiful dark color to the dish.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 7-12g
- Carbs: 5-10g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the holy basil?
While holy basil provides a unique flavor, you can substitute it with Thai basil or even regular sweet basil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?
Any non-stick skillet will work. Just ensure it's properly heated before adding the tilapia to achieve a good crisp.
This Crispy Red Tilapia with Holy Basil Stir-fry recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be easily achieved at home. Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy fish and fragrant stir-fry, impressing yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dish. Happy cooking!