Asian Style Tilapia

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!

---

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.

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

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

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

---

Technorati Tags: tilapia,fish,bell pepper,srping onions,seafood,Asian,cuisine,food,recipe,photography,Nikon D70s

---

All photographs and written content on What's For Lunch, Honey? © 2006-2008 Meeta Khurana unless otherwise indicated. | All rights reserved | Please Ask First