Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this crispy tilapia recipe with a vibrant spicy garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone who appreciates flavorful food without the fuss. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, using readily available ingredients. The perfectly crispy tilapia fillets are coated in a delicate, flavorful crust, offering a delightful textural contrast to the zesty, spicy garlic sauce that complements it beautifully.
The spicy garlic sauce, a harmonious blend of garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness, elevates this simple dish to a culinary masterpiece. Ready to learn how to create this incredible meal? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making this Crispy Tilapia in Spicy Garlic Sauce.
Tools Needed
- Bowls
- Knife
- Frying pan
- Deep pan
Ingredients
- Phi Le fish (or Tilapia)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2
- Chili
- Chives
- Garlic: a few cloves
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Chili sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Crispy fried flour: 1-5 tablespoons
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Green onion
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Sauce
- Wash and drain the fish. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the fish with garlic powder, seasoning powder, pepper, paprika powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Beat two eggs and add them to the marinated fish. Mix well.
- Finely chop chilies, chives, and garlic.
- In a bowl, mix sugar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, chili sauce, pepper, paprika powder, seasoning powder, and water. Stir well.
- Add crispy fried flour to the fish mixture and mix well until the fish is coated.
Step 2. Fry the Tilapia
- Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the fish until golden brown, turning to ensure even cooking.
Step 3. Make the Spicy Garlic Sauce
- Heat a little oil in a deep pan. Add garlic and fry until fragrant, then add chili.
- Add the sauce mixture and boil over medium heat for about 1 minute.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add the fried fish and stir gently to coat with the sauce. Do not stir too hard.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the fish is coated, turn off the heat. Sprinkle green onion and pepper on top.
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- If you can't eat spicy food, replace hot chili with chili horn.
- Don't stir too hard when adding the fish to the sauce; it may break.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-350
- Fat: 12-18g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes. Start with less and add more to taste.
3. What can I serve this dish with?
This tilapia is fantastic with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a simple green salad. It's also delicious with roasted vegetables.
This Crispy Tilapia with Spicy Garlic Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a fantastic balance of flavors and textures in a quick and easy package. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the tilapia and the vibrant kick of the sauce – it’s a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!