Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this stir-fried tilapia with Chinese celery recipe! This dish boasts a delightful combination of tender, flaky tilapia and the uniquely fragrant and slightly bitter notes of Chinese celery, all balanced with a savory and subtly sweet sauce. It's a perfect showcase of simple ingredients elevated to a culinary masterpiece, requiring minimal prep time and offering maximum taste. The vibrant green celery provides a stunning contrast to the pearly white fish, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this stir-fry is sure to become a new favorite. Ready to experience the deliciousness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below and create this incredible meal together!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- Tilapia: 500 grams (or about 700 grams whole)
- Chinese Celery
- Ginger: 35-40 grams (about 1 small cup sliced)
- Light Soy Sauce
- Ground Pepper
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- Soybean Paste
- Water: a little bit
- Seasoning Powder
- Sugar
- Red Chili: 1 large piece (adjust to taste)
- Oyster Sauce
- Soybean Oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Sauce Base
- Cut the tilapia into pieces.
- Heat up a pan with oil until hot. Fry the tilapia over medium heat until crispy, flipping once when it starts to cook. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Add oil to the pan, then add minced garlic and stir-fry until yellow. Increase heat and add sliced ginger, stir-frying until cooked.
- Add soybean paste, sugar, oyster sauce, seasoning powder, and white pepper. Mix well.
Step 2. Develop the Flavorful Sauce
- Add water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Add sliced chili peppers and stir-fry until fragrant and a sauce forms.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add the fried tilapia (remove bones if desired) and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Add Chinese celery and stir-fry until wilted.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Drain a little water from the tilapia before frying to reduce oil splattering.
- Stir-frying the ginger until cooked prevents bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- For boneless tilapia, remove bones before frying or use pre-boned fillets.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-750
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 60-75g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute Chinese celery with regular celery?
While you can substitute, the flavor profile will change significantly. Regular celery is milder and less fragrant. Chinese celery adds a unique bitterness and aroma crucial to the dish's character.
2. How can I make the tilapia extra crispy?
Ensure the tilapia fillets are completely dry before coating them in cornstarch. High heat is key for crispy results; don't overcrowd the pan.
This Crispy Tilapia with Chinese Celery Stir-Fry is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. With its quick cooking time and vibrant flavors, it's the perfect weeknight meal solution. Enjoy the delightful crunch and satisfying taste of this easy-to-make recipe!