Steaming Tilapia: How Long Does It Take?

Steamed tilapia is a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a more elaborate banquet dish, steamed tilapia is a great option. The cooking time for steamed tilapia can vary depending on the method used, the size and thickness of the fillets, and the desired level of doneness. In general, steamed tilapia cooks relatively quickly, with small, thin fillets taking as little as 4-5 minutes, and larger, thicker fillets taking up to 15-20 minutes. One popular method for steaming tilapia is to use a steamer basket or wok, while others may use an oven or grill. Regardless of the method, the key to perfectly cooked steamed tilapia is to avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish tough or rubbery.

Steaming tilapia fillets vs. a whole fish

Steaming is a great way to cook tilapia, whether you're using fillets or a whole fish. Here's a detailed guide on steaming tilapia fillets versus a whole fish, including cooking times and serving suggestions.

Steaming Tilapia Fillets

If you're short on time or simply prefer the convenience of fillets, steaming is an excellent way to cook tilapia. The cooking time for tilapia fillets is generally around 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. For example, thicker halibut steaks may take up to 12 minutes to steam.

To steam tilapia fillets, you'll need a steamer basket or rack that fits in a large pot or skillet. You can use a variety of seasonings and ingredients to flavour the fish, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, green onions, olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar. Here's a simple recipe for steamed tilapia fillets:

• Prepare your steamer by adding water to a large pot or skillet and bringing it to a boil.
• Place the tilapia fillets on a plate that fits in your steamer.
• Season the fillets with your desired ingredients, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions.
• Carefully place the plate of fish into the steamer, cover, and steam for about 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
• Serve the tilapia fillets immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice and vegetables.

Steaming a Whole Tilapia

Steaming a whole tilapia is a traditional way to prepare this fish, especially in Chinese cuisine. It typically takes around 15-20 minutes to steam a whole tilapia, depending on its size. Steaming a whole fish can be a great way to retain moisture and flavour, resulting in juicy and tasty fish.

To steam a whole tilapia, you'll need to scale and gut the fish beforehand. You can ask your fishmonger to do this for you if you're not comfortable doing it yourself. Here's a recipe for steamed whole tilapia:

• Make 3-4 shallow slashes on each side of the fish to help absorb the marinade.
• Mix soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a marinade.
• Rub a small portion of the marinade into the fish, including into the slashes.
• Layer shredded cabbage onto a heat-resistant plate that fits in your steamer, and place the fish on top.
• Pour water into the bottom of the steamer and bring it to a boil.
• Place the plate with the fish into the top portion of the steamer, cover, and steam until the fish is opaque, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve the whole tilapia with your choice of sides.

Whether you choose to steam tilapia fillets or a whole fish, this cooking method is a healthy and delicious option. Fillets may be more convenient and faster to cook, while steaming a whole fish can be a fun and impressive presentation. Both methods allow for a variety of seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your steamed tilapia!

How to prepare a steamer

Preparing a steamer for cooking is a straightforward process, and you don't need any special equipment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a steamer:

• Choose a Steamer Vessel: You can use a large pot, a skillet, or any vessel that is large enough to accommodate the food you'll be steaming.
• Add Water or Other Liquid: Pour water into the bottom of your chosen vessel. You can also use alternatives like beer or stout, which can add a unique flavour to your dish. Add enough liquid to reach a depth of about one to two inches.
• Set Up a Steamer Rack: Place a steamer rack at the bottom of your pot or vessel. This rack will hold your food above the boiling water, allowing it to cook gently in the rising steam. If you don't have a steamer rack, you can carefully place the food directly into the pot.
• Prepare the Food: Season or marinate your food as desired. Cut it into portions that will fit comfortably in the steamer. For steaming fish, you can place the fillets on a plate that fits inside your steamer.
• Assemble the Steamer: Carefully place the prepared food inside the steamer. If using a plate, ensure it fits securely in the steamer. For dishes like steamed clams, gently place them on the steamer rack to avoid breaking their shells.
• Cover and Steam: Cover the pot or vessel with a lid to trap the steam inside. Place the steamer on a stovetop or heat source and bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the food steam gently. The steaming time will depend on what you're cooking. For example, steaming fish fillets might take around 15 minutes, while clams can take 3 to 10 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: Steamed dishes are often considered ready when they are cooked through and flaky. For example, with fish, you can check by inserting a fork; if the fish flakes easily, it's done. With clams, they are ready when their shells open wide.
• Serve Immediately: Once your dish is steamed to perfection, carefully remove it from the steamer and serve it right away. Enjoy your freshly steamed meal!

Seasoning options

A traditional Chinese seasoning for steamed tilapia is soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions. This combination is a classic in Cantonese cuisine and can be steamed with the fish in a packet or drizzled over the top after cooking.

Lemon is a popular choice to add a tangy, refreshing flavour to steamed tilapia. Lemon herb tilapia can be made by seasoning the fish with dried or fresh dill, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and white or black pepper. Lemon juice is then drizzled over the fillets before steaming.

Other herbs and spices that pair well with tilapia include parsley, Greek seasoning, cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Mediterranean herbs such as marjoram and oregano.

For a more savoury option, tilapia can be seasoned with Parmesan cheese, artichoke hearts, or capers.

Tilapia can also be steamed with vegetables such as celery, carrots, bell peppers, and onions, which add flavour and nutrition to the dish.

How to check if the fish is cooked

There are several ways to check if your steamed tilapia is cooked. Firstly, the colour will change from shiny and translucent to opaque and solid. The actual colour will vary depending on the type of fish; for example, salmon turns from deep red to light pink, whereas halibut and cod will go from glossy to solid white.

Another way to check is to test the fish with a fork at the thickest point. Insert the tines of a fork at a 45-degree angle and gently twist. If the fish flakes easily, it is cooked. Undercooked fish will resist flaking and will still be translucent.

You can also use a food-grade thermometer to check if your fish is cooked. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a safe temperature for cooked fish of 145 degrees F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish to get an accurate reading.

If you don't have a thermometer, you can try the butter knife test. Insert a butter knife at a 45-degree angle into the thickest part of the fish and hold it there for three seconds. Then, remove the knife and touch the knife tip to your bottom lip. If the knife feels warm, the fish is cooked. If it's still cool, it needs to be cooked a little longer.

Finally, a good rule of thumb is to cook the fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness, turning it halfway through the cooking time.

What to serve with steamed tilapia

Steamed tilapia is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded and delicious meal. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed tilapia:

Rice

Rice is a classic accompaniment to steamed tilapia, especially in Chinese cuisine. Steamed fish is often served as part of a larger family-style meal with multiple dishes, and rice provides a neutral base to balance the flavours of the other dishes. For a Chinese-inspired meal, try steaming tilapia with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and green onions, and serving it with hot cooked wild rice or jasmine rice.

Vegetables

Vegetables make a great side dish for steamed tilapia, providing a contrast in texture and adding nutritional value to the meal. You can steam or roast vegetables such as celery, baby carrots, bell peppers, and red onions to serve alongside your tilapia. Alternatively, you could try a side of sautéed spinach or Chinese vegetables.

Proteins

If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider serving steamed tilapia with another protein. In Chinese cuisine, it is common to serve fish with another protein such as soy ginger fried chicken or char siu ribs. For a Western twist, you could try crab-stuffed tilapia or shrimp soup as a starter before your steamed tilapia main course.

Sauces

Sauces can enhance the flavour of steamed tilapia and add moisture to the dish. Try serving your tilapia with a lemon sauce, citrus sauce, or lemon butter. If you're feeling adventurous, you could make a wine sauce using a dry pear wine, or go for a spicier option like Cajun tilapia.

Salads and salsas

A fresh salad or salsa can complement the delicate flavour of steamed tilapia. Try a pineapple salsa or a corn salsa for a sweet and tangy addition to your meal.

Frequently asked questions