20 Chinese Whole Tilapia Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
Chinese whole tilapia is a popular and versatile dish that can be found in many Chinese restaurants and households. It is not only delicious, but also simple to make, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking to add more seafood to their diet, as tilapia is a lean and protein-rich fish. In this article, we will not only share with you a traditional Chinese whole tilapia recipe, but also provide tips on how to select and prepare the best tilapia for this dish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this flavorful and authentic Chinese dish.
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Oil, Cooking Oil, Red Chili Peppers, Garlic
If you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook your tilapia, then look no further than our first recipe, Fried Whole Tilapia with Basil and Chilies. This dish combines the freshness of basil and the spiciness of chilies to create a unique and flavorful meal. It's also a great way to impress your dinner guests with its beautiful presentation. Trust us, they'll be asking for seconds!
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Sauteed Tilapia with Parmesan Crust
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Seafood Rub, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
For a more elegant and sophisticated meal, try out our Sauteed Tilapia with Parmesan Crust. This dish takes the simple tilapia and elevates it with a delicious parmesan crust. The crispy crust pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky fish, making for a mouth-watering combination. It's the perfect dish for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two.
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Baked white fish with Onions, Peppers, Olives, and Feta
Main Ingredients: Filets, Tilapia, Fish, Orange Roughy, Cod, Sole, Olive
Want to add a Mediterranean twist to your tilapia? Then try out our Baked White Fish with Onions, Peppers, Olives, and Feta recipe. The combination of these flavors creates a burst of deliciousness in every bite. Plus, it's a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. This dish will transport you straight to the sunny coast of Greece.
For a healthier option, try our Chinese Steamed Fish recipe. Steaming the tilapia locks in all the flavor and nutrients, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. The addition of soy sauce and ginger gives it a savory and slightly spicy kick. Serve it with steamed vegetables and rice for a complete and balanced meal.
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Chinese Braised Fish (Hong Shao Yu)
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Cornstarch, Oil, Ginger, Scallions, Shaoxing
Another delicious Chinese-inspired dish is our Chinese Braised Fish, also known as Hong Shao Yu. This dish is all about the flavorful and aromatic sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and a hint of sugar. The tilapia is gently braised in this sauce until it's tender and falls apart in your mouth. Serve it over rice and enjoy the delicious flavors of China.
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Cantonese Steamed Fish - A 20 Minute
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Fresh Ginger, Cilantro, Soy Sauce, Salt
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and healthy meal, try our Cantonese Steamed Fish recipe. It only takes 20 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tilapia is steamed with a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and scallions, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
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Shrimp and Fish Lobak(Fried Bean Curd Skin Roll)
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Minced Pork, Water Chestnut, Medium Carrot
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, then our Shrimp and Fish Lobak recipe is perfect for you. This dish is a combination of shrimp, fish, and spices wrapped in bean curd skin and then fried to perfection. The result is a crispy and flavorful appetizer or main dish that will impress your taste buds and your guests.
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Baked Whole Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Cider Vinegar, Yellow Mustard, Fresh Dill
For a more traditional approach, try our Baked Whole Tilapia recipe. This dish is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavors of the tilapia shine through. The tilapia is baked with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and lemon, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish. It's a perfect option for those who prefer a more classic taste.
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Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Melted Butter, Chopped Parsley, Onion Powder, Paprika
Garlic and butter are classic flavor combinations, and in our Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia recipe, they take center stage. The tilapia is baked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, resulting in a mouth-watering and indulgent dish. It's perfect for those who love bold and savory flavors.
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Fish Tacos
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Fresh Lime Juice, Garlic Clove, Chili
Who said beer can chicken recipes can't be versatile? Our Fish Tacos recipe is a fun and delicious twist on the classic beer can chicken. The tilapia is seasoned with a blend of spices and then grilled to perfection. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a tasty and easy meal that the whole family will love.
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Easy Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Parmesan Cheese, Paprika, Dried Parsley, Olive
If you're a fan of parmesan, then you'll love our Easy Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe. The tilapia is coated in a mixture of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and then baked until golden and crispy. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a main course or added to salads and pasta dishes for a protein boost.
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Sweet, Lemony and Fabulous Fish (Tilapia)
Main Ingredients: Panko Bread Crumbs, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Fresh
Our Sweet, Lemony and Fabulous Fish recipe is perfect for those who love a little bit of sweetness in their meals. The tilapia is coated in a tangy and sweet lemon sauce and then baked to perfection. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
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Spanish Style Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
For a taste of Spain, try our Spanish Style Tilapia recipe. The tilapia is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and olives, resulting in a hearty and delicious meal. It's perfect for those who love bold and robust flavors. Serve it with rice or crusty bread to soak up all the tasty sauce.
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Honey, Soy, and Garlic Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Honey, Soy Sauce, Lemon Juice, Garlic, All
If you're a fan of sweet and savory combinations, then our Honey, Soy, and Garlic Tilapia recipe is a must-try. The tilapia is marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish. It's perfect for grilling or baking and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
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Baked Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Cherry Tomatoes, Large Shallot, Garlic Cloves, Lemon
Our Baked Tilapia recipe is another simple yet delicious option for those who prefer a more classic taste. The tilapia is seasoned with a blend of spices and then baked until tender and flaky. It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Air Fryer Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese, Lemon Zest, Salt
Air fryers are all the rage these days, and for a good reason. They create delicious and crispy dishes with little to no oil. Our Air Fryer Tilapia recipe is a perfect example of that. The tilapia is coated in a flavorful mixture of spices and then air-fried until crispy and golden. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fried fish without sacrificing any flavor.
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Quick and Dirty Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Olive Oil Spray, Lime
If you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal, then our Quick and Dirty Tilapia recipe is perfect for you. The tilapia is seasoned with a blend of spices and then pan-fried until crispy and flaky. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that can be on the table in under 15 minutes. Serve it with a side salad or rice for a complete meal.
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Easy Tilapia Fish Tacos
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Taco Seasoning, Kosher Salt, Shredded Red
Fish tacos are a favorite for many, and our Easy Tilapia Fish Tacos recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The tilapia is seasoned with a blend of spices and then grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Easy Baked Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Lemon Pepper Seasoning
For a fuss-free and no-mess meal, try our Easy Baked Tilapia recipe. The tilapia is baked in foil packets with a flavorful mixture of spices and herbs, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish that's bursting with deliciousness. It's a great option for those who want a quick and easy meal without sacrificing any flavor.
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Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Main Ingredients: Tilapia, Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, Mayonnaise
Last but certainly not least, our Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe is a must-try for all the cheese lovers out there. The tilapia is coated in a mixture of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs and then baked until crispy and golden. It's a simple yet indulgent dish that's perfect for any occasion.
The Best Tilapia for Chinese Whole Tilapia Recipe
Choosing Fresh Tilapia
When it comes to selecting the best tilapia for your Chinese whole tilapia recipe, it is important to choose fresh fish. Look for tilapia that has bright and clear eyes, firm and moist flesh, and a mild oceanic smell. Fresh tilapia should also have a clean and shiny appearance, without any discoloration or dark spots. If you are buying whole tilapia, make sure to check for any signs of damage or bruising on the skin.
Opting for Frozen Tilapia
If fresh tilapia is not available, frozen tilapia can also be a good option. Frozen tilapia is usually caught and frozen at sea, ensuring its freshness and quality. When buying frozen tilapia, make sure to check the packaging for the date of freezing and the type of tilapia being used. It is recommended to choose individually frozen fillets instead of a large block to ensure even cooking.
Marinating the Tilapia
To enhance the flavor of your Chinese whole tilapia dish, it is important to marinate the fish properly. Use a mixture of salt, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a traditional Chinese marinade. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
Preparing the Tilapia for Cooking
Cleaning and Gutting the Tilapia
Before cooking, it is important to clean and gut the tilapia properly. Remove the scales by scraping them off with a knife or using a scaler. Then, use a sharp knife to make a cut along the belly of the fish and remove the innards. Rinse the fish thoroughly with cold water to remove any remaining blood or debris.
Cutting and Seasoning the Tilapia
To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut slits on both sides of the tilapia, about 1 inch apart. This will also allow the marinade to penetrate deeper into the fish. Season the fish with five-spice powder, white pepper, and sesame oil for added flavor.
Steaming the Tilapia
The traditional way to cook Chinese whole tilapia is by steaming it. Place the marinated and seasoned tilapia in a steamer basket, and steam for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. To test if the fish is cooked, insert a knife into the thickest part of the fish and check if it flakes easily.
Final Thoughts
Chinese whole tilapia is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. With the right selection and preparation of the tilapia, you can create a flavorful and authentic Chinese meal in the comfort of your own home. Give this recipe a try and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills.
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