Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 18 mouthwatering Asian-inspired tilapia dishes! From sweet and sour to savory and spicy, we’ve got a recipe for every palate. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey across Asia, exploring the flavors and techniques that make each dish unique.
Start your adventure with our Garlic Butter Soy Glazed Tilapia, featuring a rich and buttery glaze infused with the umami flavor of soy sauce. Or try your hand at our Korean Gochujang Tilapia Stir-Fry, which combines the spicy kick of gochujang with the crunch of toasted sesame seeds.
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy and coconut-y or bold and chili-spicy, we’ve got a tilapia recipe that’s sure to satisfy. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through this delicious culinary journey!
Garlic Butter Soy Glazed Tilapia
Elevate your tilapia game with this aromatic and flavorful dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, savory soy glaze, and tender fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
3. Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Brush the garlic-soy glaze evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Korean Gochujang Tilapia Stir-Fry
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional stir-frying with this Korean-inspired dish featuring tilapia, gochujang, and an array of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1/2 cup gochujang paste
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tilapia and cook until opaque and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic; stir-fry until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and gochujang paste; stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Stir in soy sauce and sugar. Return tilapia to skillet and coat with the spicy sauce.
6. Cook for an additional minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Tilapia
Experience the rich flavors of Thailand with this simple and delicious recipe for Thai Coconut Curry Tilapia.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup curry paste
– 2 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the tilapia fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Stir in the coconut cream, fish sauce, ginger, and turmeric powder.
7. Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon some of the curry sauce over each piece.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vietnamese Caramelized Tilapia with Fish Sauce
Discover the sweet and savory flavors of Vietnam with this easy-to-make tilapia recipe, featuring a rich fish sauce caramel glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon chopped scallions, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Meanwhile, season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
6. Add tilapia to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Brush the caramel glaze over the tilapia and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the fish is cooked through.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sichuan Chili Oil Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this spicy and savory tilapia dish, made with chili oil, garlic, and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup Sichuan chili oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Sichuan chili oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the top of each fillet with the chili oil mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Japanese Miso-Glazed Tilapia
Experience the harmonious balance of savory miso and sweet glaze on flaky tilapia, a quintessential Japanese-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger until smooth.
3. Place tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the miso glaze evenly over each fillet, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Add water to the remaining glaze mixture and whisk until combined.
6. Pour the glaze mixture over the tilapia, making sure they’re fully coated.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.
Thai Basil and Chili Tilapia
Thai Basil and Chili Tilapia Recipe
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and aromatic Thai-inspired dish. Succulent tilapia fillets are infused with the bold flavors of Thai basil, chili flakes, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1 tsp chili flakes
– 1 tsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, Thai basil, chili flakes, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice.
5. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the tilapia fillets.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Sweet and Sour Tilapia with Pineapple
Sweet and Sour Tilapia with Pineapple Recipe
This sweet and sour tilapia recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the freshness of pineapple with the richness of tilapia. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the tilapia fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
5. Pour the sweet and sour mixture over the tilapia fillets and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Filipino Sinigang Tilapia Soup
A classic Filipino soup recipe that combines the freshness of tilapia with the tanginess of tamarind broth, Sinigang Tilapia Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup tamarind paste
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Patis (fish sauce) or salt for seasoning
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water and tamarind paste. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add tilapia fillets and cook until they flake easily with a fork (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Add diced tomatoes, spinach leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Season with patis or salt to taste.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Tilapia
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your tilapia with this easy-to-make glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil.
5. Brush the glaze evenly over each tilapia fillet, making sure they’re fully coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chinese Black Bean Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of China with this easy-to-make tilapia dish, featuring black beans and a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and honey.
3. Add garlic, black beans, and cornstarch to the bowl; stir until well combined.
4. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tilapia for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove tilapia from heat and set aside. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
7. Pour the black bean mixture into the skillet; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Place tilapia fillets back in the skillet; spoon some of the black bean sauce over each piece.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Malaysian Sambal Tilapia
This flavorful dish is a staple of Malaysian cuisine, combining the sweetness of tilapia with the bold flavors of sambal chili paste. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup sambal chili paste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sambal chili paste, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the top of each fillet with the vegetable oil and sprinkle with the sambal mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemongrass and Ginger Steamed Tilapia
Brighten up your dinner plate with this flavorful and aromatic steamed tilapia dish, infused with the warmth of lemongrass and ginger.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a small bowl, combine lemongrass, ginger, and garlic.
3. Place tilapia fillets in the steamer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the lemongrass-ginger mixture on top of each fillet.
5. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Crispy Thai Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and savory combination of crispy tilapia, tangy mango salsa, and aromatic Thai flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Mango Salsa (recipe below)
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Dip floured fillets in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded tilapia and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve with Mango Salsa, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Indonesian Sweet Soy Tilapia
Indonesian Sweet Soy Tilapia Recipe
This sweet soy tilapia recipe is a popular Indonesian dish that combines the freshness of fish with the sweetness of caramelized soy sauce and sugar. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup sweet soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the sweet soy mixture evenly on both sides of the fish.
4. Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bangladeshi Tilapia Masala
Experience the authentic flavors of Bangladesh with this aromatic and spicy tilapia masala recipe. A staple dish in Bengali cuisine, this flavorful fish curry is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb tilapia fillets
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/2 cup tomato puree
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add tilapia fillets; cook for 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Stir in tomato puree; season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cambodian Turmeric and Lemongrass Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of Cambodia with this aromatic tilapia recipe, perfectly balanced by the warmth of turmeric and the brightness of lemongrass.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp grated fresh turmeric
– 1 tsp grated fresh lemongrass
– 1 tsp fish sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together oil, garlic, turmeric, lemongrass, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Singaporean Chilli Crab-Style Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of Singapore’s iconic chilli crab dish, reimagined for tilapia. This recipe combines sweet and spicy elements to create a mouthwatering seafood delight.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chilli crab paste
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add chilli crab paste, tomato paste, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, and water. Stir until combined.
4. Place tilapia fillets in the skillet; spoon sauce over each fillet.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 spicy Asian tilapia delicacies! From classic flavors like garlic butter soy glaze and miso-glazed tilapia, to bold and adventurous recipes like Sichuan chili oil and Bangladeshi masala, this article brings together the best of Asian cuisine. Discover new ways to cook tilapia with ingredients like gochujang, fish sauce, coconut curry, and sriracha, and explore different cooking methods like stir-frying, steaming, and grilling. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, these recipes are sure to spice up your seafood game!