Asian Style Tilapia

Asian Style Tilapia (01) by MeetaK

The fact that I have started working full time out of home does not mean we have to make do with bread and water for dinner. Surprisingly the new routine is very relaxed and I am finding myself more balanced than I was before. It's probably also the fact that I have a few fantastic colleagues, whose gentle, easy going and soft spoken ways keeps me relaxed throughout the day and even demanding tasks are completed with ease. Previously I always had a awful feeling that I was working against time, which seemed to be ticking faster. Right now it's like time is my best friend and I have organized myself well enough to get a lot more done.

This also means that I am relaxed enough to make nice warm dinners on weeknights.

Believe me that was something that really had me brooding for days. I cannot imagine not being able to cook as often as I used to. It's my creative oasis. Putting on some light music, popping open a bottle of Prosecco and getting into my apron eases out the kinks the day might have left behind. Mixing, stirring, chopping and sizzling energizes me.

Nonetheless the dishes have to be quick and easy. Fish is perfect for this purpose and the Asian cooking method not only guarantees rapid meals but also one that is full of flavor.

Tilapia is currently the trendy fish in my kitchen. I know there are many arguments about this fish. The gourmands amongst you will turn up your noses and the practical ones will see why I really like this type of fish. It's easy to work with, it's not fishy and it's mild in taste, making it very versatile when combining with different ingredients or spices. It's wonderful when you want to use a flavorful sauce or seasoning that the fish does not compete with you.

For this particular dish I used simple, fresh ingredients and flavored it with typical Asian aromas. Spectacular!


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The Monthly Mingle is out on the red carpet this month. I am taking you into the colorful world of Bollywood. This time one glamorous superstar dish will walk away with a copy of the fantastic Bollywood Cookbook

You'll find all the details here.

Deadline: 5 May 2008


Ingredients
Printable version of recipe here.

Asian Style Tilapia (03) by MeetaK

600g tilapia filets, cut into larger cubes
1 bunch spring onions, cut in approx. 3 cm long pieces
1 red bell pepper, cut in thin strips
50g cashew nuts, roasted and ground
1-2 red chilies, de-seeded and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons sugar
50 ml peanut oil


Method

Asian Style Tilapia (04) by MeetaK

In a small bowl mix together the soy sauce and sugar until it dissolves. Set aside.

Pour the peanut oil in a wok and allow it to get very hot. Add the fish cubes and quickly fry it from all sides. Using a slotted spoon, take the fish out and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak in excess oil.

Pour out almost all of the oil from the wok, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. Throw in the spring onions and bell peppers, sauté on high heat for 2 minutes. Add the chilies and garlic and pour in the soy sauce-sugar mixture. Simmer for a further 1 minute.

Finally put the fish back into the wok and coat with sauce. Add the cashew nuts and serve immediately.  

Serve with Chinese style vegetarian noodles.


Verdict

Asian Style Tilapia (05) by MeetaK

I love these kind of dishes. The ingredients are not complex but fresh, the flavors are not heavy, but light and intense. The tilapia adapts perfectly to the aromas of the bell peppers and onions. It's the type of dish that has us licking the last drop off the plate



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36 comments:

  1. Looks absolutely delicious Meeta! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE tilapia, and agree with you in that it's amazingly versatile. A perfect choice for someone wanting to try out seafood without being overwhelmed by the strong "fishy" smells!

    - Meena (www.hookedonheat.com)

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  2. I love these kind of dishes, too, and it's a great way to get kids to eat fish that they might not other want to try.

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  3. Beautiful! I can see the ingredients working here...

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  4. I guess that keeps me out of the gourmands group because I love this fish and I really like how you've done it here.
    Now, just be careful and don't get overorganized! Great to have time as a friend.

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  5. Though I'm vegetarian, my daughter just loves fish and I end up trying to find fish that doesn't smell too "fishy". This might work! Thanks!

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  6. The ingredients in this dish are my favorite--when combined. I've never considered using them with fish-- usually just chicken. But this is a wonderful idea. The cashews are my favorite part. Thank you for the inspiration!

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  7. Hon, I am so glad that things are balanced and you have the energy and enthusiasm to make hot meals after a hard day's work! You rock! It is a feat that not many people can accomplish.

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  8. Tilapia is easy to find around here in San Diego. You can find it fresh and do so many things with it. Fish tacos... you name it.

    Your dish looks like something that I would be perfectly delighted to receive if ordered in a restaurant. Absolutely fresh and wonderful!

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  9. Glad to hear that work and life are being nice to each other!

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  10. its great to work in a stress free environment...love the colours!!

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  11. I also love Tilapia, and this recipe sounds just wonderful. Glad to hear that the job is working out.

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  12. I love tilapia! Love your recipe!

    Paz

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  13. Love tilapia too :) one of the firm fish and hold the shape in gravy or in sauce, amazing and tempting pictures...

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  14. Hi there friend. I've sent you a couple of emails and didn't hear back so I suspect my emails are going into your spam. I thought I'd leave a note here because I didn't want you to think I ignored your request for a photo! You can feel free to delete this comment after you read it - just wanted to make sure I got word to you. Hope you are well.

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  15. This looks delicious with a great sauce! I am also a big fan of the cashews you included here--it sounds like the perfect contrast for flavor and crunch.

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  16. Love the recipe Meeta..nice pics as usual

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  17. Love the recipe Meeta..nice pics as usual

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  18. I love Tilapia, not a big fan of pre-packaged filets since I feel the ones we get here lack in flavor, but with this recipe even those should taste great!

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  19. Tilapia is one of my favorite types of fish to eat! This looks great.

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  20. Never thought about fish asian style...nice.

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  21. Thank you all for your thoughts. This dish is really great with fish. It's just something different, not to mention light. Hope you all enjoy it!

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  22. Yummy! Keeping this one bookmarked for sure. We love tilapia in our house, and it is one of the few things my picky toddler will eat. Actually we are having it tonight.

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  23. Looks great! I like tilapia. It is such an easy and delicious dinner! :)

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  24. Tilapia is a fairly new fish to me -I've only used it a time or two - but I like it. This dish sounds like the perfect weeknight meal!

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  25. Meeta, the dish looks so scrumptious! I love the photos as well. Just something about the lime green dishes & red peppers that screams "make this dish" to me. Just stunning!

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  26. This sounds nice and tasty. I have been enjoying tilapia a lot lately.

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  27. Your dish looks mouth watering.

    I'm so glad you are able to work from home in a more relaxed environment. My husband's favorite work days are when he gets to work from home. He gets so much more done than when he's in the office.

    Sheltie Girl @ Gluten a Go Go

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  28. What a great recipe! I made this last night for a quick meal and it was wonderful! I make salmon with an Asian flair all the time, but I've never gone that route with tilapia before. I changed the recipe just a bit, however, because my husband doesn't like cashews. I just substituted some crushed peanuts (added just before serving), and I added a splash of lime. Delicious!

    - Erika (www.mygourmetconnection.com)

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  29. i love one dish dinners, perfect for the busy (or the lazy like me) ^_^

    this tilapia recipe sounds perfect!

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  30. Hey, whats up? Haven't seen you around in a while. Hope all's fine.

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  31. Meeta,
    it's such a pleasure to look again at your blog. :)
    I wanted to let you know that I have a small surprise for you on my blog.

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  32. Thank you thank you. I am fine just took a spontaneous break to enjoy the weather.

    Erika - fantastic that you enjoyed this. it has so much fresh flavor. I really like your adaptation to it!

    Marta great to see you are doing fine.

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  33. As you noted, simple ingredients can add lots of flavor. The red chilies and the soy sauce bring plenty of spice and depth to this fish.

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Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hugs
Meeta