Coconut-Crusted Tilapia with Spicy Peanut Sauce
This vibrant Coconut-Crusted Tilapia recipe is a delightful twist on a classic fish dish, designed to elevate the flavor profile of mild tilapia fillets. The fish is coated in a luscious blend of coconut flakes and spices, then baked to perfection for a satisfying crunch. Paired with a creamy and zesty spicy peanut sauce, this dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your cravings. The combination of sweet coconut and savory peanut sauce, punctuated by hints of garlic and curry, ensures each bite is a delicious adventure. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to impress and satisfy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
2 (fresh, skinless)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Water
1/4 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1/3 cup (none)
Coconut flakes
1 1/2 cups (sweetened or unsweetened)
Curry powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Peanut butter
1 tablespoon (creamy or crunchy)
Curry sauce
2 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
Minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Lime juice
1/4 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Red chili pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ginger
1 pinch (dried or fresh)
Sage
1 pinch (dried)
Brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2
In a wide bowl or container, combine the coconut flakes, curry powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and cornstarch until smooth to create a batter.
4
Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, ensuring they're fully coated. Using a plastic bag can make handling the fillets cleaner and easier.
5
Once the fillets are coated in the egg mixture, transfer them to the bowl with the coconut mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating, particularly on the top side.
6
Carefully place the coated tilapia onto the prepared baking sheet.
7
Bake the tilapia fillets for 12-14 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
8
While the fish is baking, prepare the spicy peanut sauce by combining the peanut butter, curry sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, red chili pepper flakes, soy sauce, ginger, sage, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Adjust the spice level and sweetness according to your preference.
9
Once the tilapia is baked, switch on the broiler and broil the fillets for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crispy.
10
Remove the fillets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
11
Plate the coconut-crusted tilapia and scoop the spicy peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut-Crusted Tilapia with Spicy Peanut Sauce?
It is a vibrant dish featuring mild tilapia fillets coated in a blend of coconut flakes and spices, baked for a satisfying crunch, and served with a creamy, zesty spicy peanut sauce.
What ingredients are used for the tilapia coating?
The coating is made from a mixture of coconut flakes, curry powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
How do I prepare the baking sheet for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent the fish from sticking.
What is the purpose of the egg and cornstarch mixture?
The mixture of egg, water, and cornstarch creates a batter that helps the coconut coating adhere to the tilapia fillets.
How should I coat the tilapia fillets?
Dip each fillet into the egg mixture until fully coated, then transfer them to the coconut mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the tilapia take to bake?
Bake the fillets for 12-14 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
How do I know when the tilapia is cooked?
The fish is done when it becomes opaque and can be easily flaked using a fork.
What ingredients are in the spicy peanut sauce?
The sauce includes peanut butter, curry sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, red chili pepper flakes, soy sauce, ginger, sage, and optional brown sugar.
Can I adjust the spice level of the peanut sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level and sweetness of the sauce according to your personal preference during the mixing process.
Why is the fish broiled at the end?
Broiling for an additional 2-3 minutes helps the coconut crust turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
How long should I broil the tilapia?
Broil the fillets for 2-3 minutes after the initial baking period is complete.
Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?
Yes, the recipe allows for either sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes depending on your flavor preference.
What type of peanut butter is best for the sauce?
You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter for the spicy peanut sauce.
Should I use fresh or bottled garlic for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using fresh minced garlic for the best flavor in the peanut sauce.
How much lime juice is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I substitute tilapia with another fish?
While the recipe specifies tilapia, you can use other mild white fish fillets as a substitute.
What spices are added to the coconut coating?
The coconut flakes are seasoned with curry powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Is brown sugar mandatory in the sauce?
No, brown sugar is listed as an optional ingredient to add sweetness if desired.
Can I use fresh ginger in the sauce?
Yes, you can use a pinch of either dried or fresh ginger.
How many tilapia fillets are used in this recipe?
The recipe is designed for 2 fresh, skinless tilapia fillets.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include coconut tilapia, baked fish, easy dinner, spicy peanut sauce, and healthy recipe.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy dinner, perfect for weeknights.
How can I make coating the fish cleaner?
Using a plastic bag when handling the fillets during the egg-coating process can make the task cleaner and easier.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The recipe uses 2 fillets, typically serving two people.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The fish is tender and flaky on the inside with a crunchy, golden-brown coconut crust on the outside.
What type of curry sauce should I use for the peanut sauce?
You can use either store-bought or homemade curry sauce for the peanut dipping sauce.
Should the fish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the fillets cool slightly after removing them from the oven before plating.
Is this recipe customizable?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable, especially the sauce's spice and sweetness levels.
How do I serve the final dish?
Plate the coconut-crusted tilapia and serve the spicy peanut sauce on the side for dipping.