FRIED WHOLE TILAPIA WITH BASIL AND CHILIES

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Fried Whole Tilapia with Basil and Chilies image

Nothing is more stunning at the dinner table than serving a whole fried fish with a fragrant unctuous sauce. Caution should be used when deep frying the fish; make sure you have plenty of room and a big pot. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

Provided by wiley

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Thai

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 whole (10 ounce) fresh tilapia, cleaned and scaled
1 quart oil for deep frying
2 tablespoons cooking oil
5 large red chili peppers, sliced
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
¼ cup Thai basil leaves
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Heat 1 quart oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If you do not have a thermometer, then dip the head of the fish into the oil; if it sizzles, it is ready, if it does not sizzle, then wait a couple minutes and try again.
  • Rinse the fish and dry well. Make several angled slits along the body of the fish, cutting down to the rib bones. Make two lateral slits along the back of the fish, from head to tail, on either side of the dorsal fin. These cuts will ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Gently slip the fish into the oil and fry until crispy, 7 to 10 minutes. Carefully remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on paper towels. Place on a large serving platter.
  • While the fish drains, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Cook and stir the chili peppers, garlic, and onion in the hot oil until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the fish sauce and soy sauce into the mixture, remove from heat, and fold the Thai basil and cilantro into the mixture. Pour the sauce over the fish to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.3 calories, Carbohydrate 9.2 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Fat 30.1 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 16.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 1033.1 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

Erica Baldwin
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I love the crispy skin on the tilapia. It's so flavorful and pairs perfectly with the tender flesh.


abidali Ali
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The tilapia cooks quickly and the sauce is easy to make.


Andrew Terracciano
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The tilapia is crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and the sauce is flavorful and addictive.


baltrus dofke123
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This recipe is a great way to enjoy tilapia. The flavors of the basil, chilies, and garlic complement each other perfectly.


Irvin Gonzalez
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I'm not a big fan of tilapia, but this recipe was a game-changer. The tilapia was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. I will definitely be making this again.


Abbas Jafri
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This is one of my favorite tilapia recipes. It's so easy to make and always turns out great. I love the crispy skin and the tender flesh.


jerikho rubio (turtle)
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved the tilapia and the sauce.


Donald Allen
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I'm not a big fan of fish, but I really enjoyed this recipe. The tilapia was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious.


Beavon Monayo
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover tilapia. I made it with some tilapia that I had leftover from a previous meal and it turned out great.


Abu Saeid
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I love the crispy skin on the tilapia. It's so flavorful and pairs perfectly with the tender flesh.


kenga broker
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This is a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The tilapia cooks quickly and the sauce is easy to make. I served it with rice and steamed vegetables.


Gujjar
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. My friends and family love it.


Tinda Tinda
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This recipe is a keeper! It's simple to make and the results are amazing. The tilapia is perfectly cooked and the sauce is flavorful and addictive.


Ashik Hossain
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I'm not a big fan of tilapia, but this recipe changed my mind. The fish was crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, and the sauce was delicious.


Alayinke Keukeu
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This dish is a great way to enjoy tilapia. The flavors of the basil, chilies, and garlic complement each other perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


Ben Martin
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and always turns out great.


Catherine Ferreira
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This was the tastiest tilapia I have ever had! The crispy skin and tender flesh were cooked to perfection. The basil and chilies added a wonderful flavor that was both savory and spicy.