Steamed Tilapia with Asian Flavors
This delicious and healthy steamed fish dish features tender tilapia, infused with savory soy sauce, aromatic ginger, and fresh scallions. Perfect for a light dinner or lunch, this recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine while maintaining a balanced, Weight Watchers-friendly profile. At just 5 points per serving including rice, and only 3 points without it, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy a delightful meal that is sure to impress family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillet
1 lb (cut into 4 pieces)
Scallions
3 (thinly sliced)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Ground ginger
1 tablespoon
Sesame oil
2 teaspoons
Cooked white rice
2 cups
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a 12 x 18 inch rectangle of aluminum foil. Place the tilapia fillets onto the foil and top them with the sliced scallions.
2
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with the ground ginger and sesame oil. Mix well, then pour this mixture over the fish and scallions, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3
Fold the foil over the fish, creating a tight-sealed packet to retain moisture and flavors while cooking.
4
Fill a large skillet with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the foil packet into the simmering water.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet tightly, and steam the fish for about 10 minutes. To check for doneness, carefully open the packet. The fish should be opaque and flaky; if it isn’t fully cooked, reseal the packet and return it to the skillet for a few more minutes until done.
6
Once cooked, remove the packet from the skillet and transfer the fish to a serving plate, drizzling with the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce and any juices from the packet. Serve immediately with the cooked white rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steamed Tilapia with Asian Flavors?
It is a healthy and flavorful dish featuring tilapia fillets seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then steamed in a foil packet.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This dish is 5 points per serving when including rice, and only 3 points without the rice.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of tilapia fillet, cut into 4 pieces.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other white fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass would work well with these Asian flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Absolutely, its balanced profile and low point count make it perfect for both lunch and dinner.
What are the main aromatics used?
The dish uses fresh scallions and ground ginger to create its signature aromatic profile.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be thinly sliced before being placed on top of the fish.
Do I need fresh ginger for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, which is convenient for quick preparation.
What role does sesame oil play in this dish?
Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty depth that complements the soy sauce and ginger.
How is the fish cooked?
The fish is steamed inside a tightly sealed aluminum foil packet placed in a skillet with simmering water.
How much water do I need in the skillet?
You should fill a large skillet with approximately 1 inch of water.
What size should the aluminum foil be?
You will need a 12 x 18 inch rectangle of aluminum foil.
How long does the tilapia take to steam?
It takes approximately 10 minutes over medium-low heat once the water is boiling.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish is fully cooked when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What if the fish isn't cooked after 10 minutes?
Simply reseal the foil packet and return it to the skillet for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired doneness.
What should I serve with the tilapia?
This recipe is designed to be served with 2 cups of cooked white rice.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitution to help manage salt intake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative.
How do I seal the foil packet?
Fold the foil over the fish and scallions, then crimp the edges tightly to retain all moisture and steam.
Can I add extra soy sauce after cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest drizzling the fish with an additional tablespoon of soy sauce before serving.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, taking minimal prep time and only 10 minutes of steaming.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 1 lb of fish divided into 4 pieces, generally serving 2 to 4 people depending on appetite.
Can I bake the fish instead of steaming?
While steaming is the intended method, you can bake the foil packets at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted, though it may change the Weight Watchers point calculation.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include weight watchers, healthy, tilapia, asian-style, steamed fish, and low points.
Can I add vegetables to the foil packet?
Yes, adding thin slices of bok choy or snow peas inside the packet is a great way to include more greens.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to reheat steamed tilapia?
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to avoid making the fish rubbery.
Is this dish spicy?
No, the recipe is savory and aromatic rather than spicy, making it family-friendly.
Does this recipe require a steamer basket?
No, the foil packet method allows you to steam the fish directly in a skillet without a basket.