Dive into the rich and creamy world of Filipino cuisine with our tantalizing Fried Tilapia in Coconut Milk, or Ginataang Tilapia! This dish combines the crispy perfection of fried tilapia with a luscious coconut milk sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary adventure. With just a few simple ingredients and a total cooking time of only 35 minutes, you’ll be savoring this delightful dish in no time. Ready to turn your kitchen into a tropical paradise? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Filipino
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pieces tilapia, cleaned
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- 2 green chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the tilapia. Ensure that the fish is cleaned thoroughly, with the scales removed and the insides cleaned out. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the tilapia with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish as it cooks.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned tilapia in the pan. Fry the fish for about 5-7 minutes on one side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Using a spatula, gently flip the tilapia over and fry the other side for another 5-7 minutes until it is also golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Next, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger to the pan. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the can of coconut milk, stirring well to combine with the sautéed ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Once the coconut milk is simmering, add the green chilies. This will infuse the dish with a subtle heat and flavor.
- Carefully return the fried tilapia to the pan, spooning some of the coconut milk sauce over the fish. Allow it to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once done, remove the pan from heat. Serve the fried tilapia hot, generously ladled with the coconut milk sauce, alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Tilapia: For the best flavor, select fresh tilapia. Look for fish with clear eyes and a fresh, ocean-like smell.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the tilapia dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior when frying.
- Control the Heat: Keep the oil at medium heat to ensure the fish cooks evenly without burning. If the oil is too hot, it can cause the fish to cook too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- Infuse Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing of onions, garlic, and ginger. This step builds a rich flavor base that enhances the coconut milk sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the coconut milk sauce before serving. You can always add more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, which helps soak up the delicious coconut milk sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an added touch of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
