Tilapia a la Portuguesa is a classic Portuguese dish that showcases the delicate flavor of tilapia fish in a vibrant tomato-based sauce. This savory dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The tilapia is typically pan-fried until golden brown and then simmered in a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. The result is a tender and flaky fish with a slightly crispy exterior, enveloped in a rich and tangy sauce. Tilapia a la Portuguesa is often served with boiled potatoes, rice, or a side salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
This article provides three different recipes for Tilapia a la Portuguesa, each with its own unique twist on the classic dish. The first recipe is a traditional version that uses simple, fresh ingredients to create an authentic Portuguese flavor. The second recipe adds a spicy kick to the dish with the addition of piri piri sauce, a popular Portuguese chili sauce. The third recipe incorporates a creamy coconut milk sauce for a richer and more decadent flavor. All three recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home.
TILAPIA A LA PORTUGUESA
This is very easy to make and is simply delicious. The wine is an optional ingredient, but I think it really gives the fish great flavor.
Provided by canarygirl
Categories Tilapia
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375ยบ.
- Place fillets in a baking dish.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer vegetables over fish, and add wine if using.
- Season veggies with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork, and veggies are tender.
- Another way to do this is to pan fry the fish in a little olive oil, sautee the vegetables until tender and spoon the sauce over the fish.
- I just think that the oven is easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
VERACRUZ-STYLE TILAPIA ("PESCADO A LA VERACRUZANA")
Provided by Marcela Valladolid
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the fish fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper, to taste. Saute the fillets until they are opaque and just cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a glass baking dish where they fit snugly.
- In the same saute pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, Anaheim chile, bay leaf and oregano and bring the pan to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and let the sauce simmer until the chiles soften, about 6 minutes. Uncover the pan, add the olives and capers, and cook until the flavors combine, about 4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Pour the sauce over the fish in the baking dish. Bake until the fish is heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, discard the bay leaf and serve.
TILAPIA MEUNIER
A classic meunier is simply a mild white fish seasoned and lightly dredged in flour, sauteed in butter and garnished with chopped parsley. In this recipe, the addition of lemon brightens the flavor. A handful of toasted stale breadcrumbs can be added to the lemon-butter mixture to create a slightly more substantial sauce with a note of toasty flavor.
Provided by SmHerndon
Categories Tilapia
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Rinse fillets and pat dry. In small bowl combine flour, salt, pepper and thyme. Pour the dry mixture out onto a plate and dredge each fillet, lightly covering all surfaces; set aside. Cut stick butter into 1 oz. pats; set aside.
- Heat 1/3 of oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2 fillets (or more, just don't crowd skillet surface) in skillet and saute for several minutes on each side. Remove fillets from skillet, place on plate, and sprinkle with 1/3 parsley. Set in your oven as the remaining heat of fillet will crisp the fresh parsley. Repeat until all fillets are cooked.
- Pour off the oil and wipe skillet dry. Return skillet to heat and begin melting butter, 1 oz at a time until bubbling hot, but not brown. Quickly add the lemon juice and slices (capers if using); stir gently in the skillet until combined and warm. Pour over fillets and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 360.9, Fat 24.4, SaturatedFat 11.4, Cholesterol 103.2, Sodium 977.2, Carbohydrate 10.2, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 0.5, Protein 26.6
PORTUGUESE-STYLE BAKED FISH
My mom makes this and its also very common in the Portuguese restaurants of SE New England. This is fantastic with spaghetti and even better with roasted potatoes.
Provided by Transylmania
Categories Portuguese
Time 55m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a skillet heat the olive oil. Add the onions, leeks, and garlic, and saute over medium heat till transparent (about 5 minutes).
- Add peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Cook for about 15 minutes over medium heat.
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- In a baking pan pour about 1/3 of the sauce.
- Put the fish fillets on top of the sauce. Top with the sliced green pepper.
- Pour the wine over this and then top with lemon slices.
- Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over all and then top with minced parsley.
- Bake this for about 25 minutes, or until the fish is done and the sauce is bubbly. Serve with pasta or potatoes. This is great!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 426.7, Fat 9.4, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 124.7, Sodium 476.3, Carbohydrate 20.1, Fiber 4, Sugar 8.3, Protein 55
Tips:
- Use fresh, firm tilapia fillets. Look for fillets that are opaque and have a slight sheen. Avoid fillets that are discolored or have a slimy texture.
- Season the tilapia fillets generously with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Pan-fry the tilapia fillets in olive oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it will become dry and tough.
- Make the Portuguese sauce while the tilapia is cooking. This sauce is made with onions, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, and herbs. It is a flavorful and versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes.
- Serve the tilapia fillets with the Portuguese sauce and your favorite sides. Some popular sides include roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and rice.
Conclusion:
Tilapia a la Portuguesa is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The tilapia fillets are pan-fried until they are golden brown and cooked through, and then they are smothered in a flavorful Portuguese sauce. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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