Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than our Three-Flavor Fried Tilapia recipe! This dish masterfully balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The crispy, golden-brown tilapia fillets are the perfect canvas for a luscious pineapple-infused sauce that's bursting with tropical freshness and a subtle kick of chili. Imagine tender, flaky fish complemented by the juicy sweetness of pineapple, the tang of vinegar, and a hint of fiery heat – a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find this recipe accessible and rewarding. Ready to dive into the delicious details and learn how to create this incredible dish? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets
- Salt
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Red chili peppers: 10
- Water
- Palm sugar: 4 tablespoons
- Tamarind: 5 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- White sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Pineapple: 100 grams
- Tomatoes: 2 or 100 grams
- Nua powder
- Green chili peppers
- Celery
- Coriander
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Fry the Tilapia
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering.
- Season the fish with salt.
- Heat oil in a pan until hot. Fry the fish until golden brown on both sides, using medium heat and ensuring the fish doesn't stick to the pan.
- Set aside the fried fish.
Step 2. Make the Pineapple Sauce
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a pan. Stir-fry garlic and chili peppers until fragrant. Adjust chili amount according to preference.
- Add water, palm sugar, tamarind, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well. Add white sugar for sweetness. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Add pineapple and tomatoes (or more pineapple). Add pineapple later to avoid it absorbing too much saltiness.
- Add Nua powder (optional), chopped green chilies, and celery for color and flavor.
Step 3. Combine and Garnish
- Pour the sauce over the fried fish while it's still hot. Garnish with coriander.
Read more: Crispy Garlic Green Beans: A Mom's Recipe
Tips
- Using medium heat while frying the fish ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Patting the fish dry is crucial for preventing oil splattering during frying.
- Do not add the fish to the oil until it is hot enough.
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 dry before breading and frying to ensure they crisp up nicely.
2. What can I substitute for the pineapple if I don't have any?
Mango or even a good quality peach salsa could be delicious substitutes, offering similar sweetness and acidity.
3. How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce or omit it altogether. You can also add a touch more pineapple juice to balance the flavors.
This Three-Flavor Fried Tilapia with Pineapple Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, showcasing the delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. From its crispy texture to its vibrant taste, this dish is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of Chinese cuisine. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make yet elegant banquet-worthy creation!