Sweet and Savory Asian Tilapia
This Sweet and Savory Asian Tilapia recipe is inspired by a beloved local restaurant dish. After numerous attempts to recreate the perfect balance of flavors, the chef finally shared the secret: a simple yet delicious glaze that brings out the best in tilapia. The combination of hoisin and soy sauce offers a delightful sweetness without overwhelming the delicate fish. This dish is not only easy and quick to prepare but also impressive enough to serve at any dinner party. Accompanied by Asian rice straw noodles lightly tossed with the glaze and a vibrant, julienned medley of sautéed zucchini and yellow squash, this meal is as delicious as it is visually appealing. Perfect for those seeking a low-carb, seafood experience that promises to please any crowd.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillets
4 lbs (fresh or frozen)
salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
pepper
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (enough to coat pan)
hoisin sauce
4 tablespoons (premixed)
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (low sodium)
Instructions
1
Season both sides of the tilapia fillets generously with salt and pepper.
2
Heat olive oil in a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat, ensuring the surface is evenly coated to prevent the fish from sticking.
3
In a small bowl, combine hoisin sauce and soy sauce in equal proportions to create a glaze. The hoisin sauce adds thickness and sweetness, perfectly balancing the soy sauce.
4
Brush one side of each tilapia fillet with the glaze and place it in the hot pan, glaze side down. Allow the glaze to caramelize and form a crunchy crust.
5
Gently brush the unglazed side of each fillet with more sauce, then carefully flip the fish after 4-6 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.
6
Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes. Check doneness by making a small cut in the thickest part; the fish should flake easily.
7
If necessary, flip the fillets again or cover the pan with a lid to steam and ensure thorough cooking.
8
Serve hot over a bed of Asian noodles or simply on their own. This dish shines with side vegetables like julienned zucchini and yellow squash for added color and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Savory Asian Tilapia?
It is a restaurant-inspired seafood dish featuring tilapia fillets coated in a simple glaze made of hoisin and soy sauce, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses tilapia fillets, which are valued for their delicate texture.
How much tilapia is required?
You will need 4 lbs of fresh or frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe.
What are the primary ingredients in the glaze?
The glaze is made by combining 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce with 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as low carb and can be served with vegetables instead of noodles to maintain its low-carb profile.
How long does it take to cook the tilapia fillets?
The fish typically takes 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
You can check for doneness by making a small cut in the thickest part of the fillet; the fish should flake easily when done.
What should I do if the fish is not cooking through?
If the fish needs more time, you can flip the fillets again or cover the pan with a lid to steam and ensure thorough cooking.
What oil is best for sautéing the fish?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick sauté pan and ensure the olive oil is heated and evenly coats the surface before adding the fish.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Low sodium soy sauce is recommended for the glaze to balance the sweetness of the hoisin.
How should I season the fish before cooking?
Season both sides of the tilapia fillets generously with salt and pepper.
What is the purpose of the hoisin sauce in the glaze?
The hoisin sauce adds thickness and sweetness to the glaze, perfectly balancing the soy sauce.
How do I achieve a crunchy crust on the tilapia?
Brush one side of the fish with the glaze and place it glaze-side down in the hot pan to allow it to caramelize.
What sides are suggested for this meal?
Suggested sides include Asian rice straw noodles and a sautéed medley of julienned zucchini and yellow squash.
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, the recipe allows for either fresh or frozen tilapia fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as impressive enough to serve at any dinner party due to its visual appeal and flavor.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The zucchini and yellow squash should be julienned and sautéed for added color and texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: tilapia fillets, salt, pepper, olive oil, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce.
What is the ratio for the glaze ingredients?
The glaze uses equal proportions of hoisin sauce and soy sauce.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests 1-2 teaspoons of each, or to taste.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy recipe suitable for busy schedules.
How should the noodles be prepared?
Asian rice straw noodles should be lightly tossed with the hoisin and soy glaze.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as seafood with an Asian flavor profile.
Can I use other fish besides tilapia?
While the recipe is designed for tilapia, the sweet and savory glaze technique can be applied to other delicate white fish.
Should I glaze both sides of the fish?
Yes, brush one side before placing it in the pan, and brush the unglazed side before flipping.
What temperature should the pan be?
The pan should be heated over medium heat.
Is the glaze premixed?
The glaze is made by combining the hoisin and soy sauce in a small bowl before applying it to the fish.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The fish should be tender and flaky with a caramelized, crunchy crust on the outside.
How is the dish served for the best presentation?
Serve the hot tilapia over a bed of Asian noodles or with vibrant julienned vegetables for a visually appealing plate.