Steaming Tilapia, Panlasang Pinoy Style: A Quick Guide

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways, including frying, grilling, and steaming. In this article, we will focus on the latter and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook steamed tilapia, a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe is a simple and tasty way to prepare tilapia, a mild-tasting fish that is available all year round thanks to fish farming. By steaming the fish and adding a few key ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

How to prepare tilapia for cooking

Preparing tilapia for cooking is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure the fish is ready for your chosen cooking method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare tilapia for cooking:

Step 1: Cleaning the Tilapia

The first step in preparing tilapia is to clean the fish thoroughly. This involves removing the scales, gills, and innards. You may also want to cut the fins and trim the tail for a neater presentation. Make sure to rinse the cavity well and pat the fish dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Making Slits

To enhance the flavour of the tilapia and allow the seasonings to penetrate the fish, it is recommended to make a series of diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish. You can use a sharp knife to create these slits, ensuring they are deep enough to reach the bones. This step is especially important if you plan to stuff the tilapia with a flavourful mixture, as it provides more space for the ingredients.

Step 3: Seasoning the Tilapia

Before cooking, it is essential to season the tilapia to enhance its flavour. You can use various seasonings, such as salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, soy sauce, or even alcohol such as gin or rum. For a unique twist, you can try using tamarind powder (sinigang mix) to season the fish. Rub the chosen seasoning all over the fish, including the cavity, and let it stand for about 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavours to absorb.

Step 4: Stuffing the Tilapia (Optional)

If you are making a stuffed tilapia dish, such as Pinaputok na Tilapia or Sinanglay na Tilapia, you will need to prepare the stuffing and fill the cavity of the fish. Combine ingredients like chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger in a bowl, adding any additional herbs and spices to taste. Stuff this mixture generously into the cavity of the tilapia, making sure to pack it in tightly.

Step 5: Wrapping the Tilapia (Optional)

For certain cooking methods, such as baking or steaming, you may want to wrap the tilapia before cooking. You can use aluminium foil or, for added aroma, try wrapping the fish in banana leaves or bok choy leaves. If using foil, double-wrap the fish to prevent juices from leaking out during cooking.

Step 6: Final Preparations

At this stage, your tilapia is almost ready for cooking. Preheat your oven, steamer, or grill to the appropriate temperature, and prepare any additional ingredients or sauces that will accompany the dish. If you plan to fry the tilapia, heat the oil in a deep cooking pot over medium heat before proceeding to the final step.

Step 7: Cooking the Tilapia

Now, it's time to cook your tilapia using your chosen method. Whether you are baking, steaming, grilling, or frying, follow the instructions for your specific recipe, ensuring the fish is cooked through. For stuffed tilapia, this usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes in the oven or on the grill. If frying, carefully place the tilapia into the hot oil and cook until it turns golden brown.

How to stuff tilapia with flavourful ingredients

To stuff tilapia with flavourful ingredients, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, make 2 to 3 slits on each side of the tilapia, ensuring that the cuts reach the bones to create more space for the ingredients. This will allow the flavours to seep through the fish more easily. Next, rub about 1 teaspoon of salt per side and let the fish sit for around 15 minutes to absorb the flavour.

While waiting, prepare the stuffing by combining the following ingredients in a medium bowl:

• 1 medium unripe tomato, cubed
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Mix these ingredients well. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as cilantro, green onions, or chili peppers for some heat.

Now, it's time to stuff the tilapia. Generously fill the cavity of the fish with the tomato-onion mixture, making use of the space inside the slits. Ensure that the tilapia has a cut under the body due to the removal of innards. You can also add other ingredients of your choice inside the fish, such as garlic or green mango.

After stuffing, wrap the tilapia securely in aluminum foil or banana leaves for added aroma. You can now proceed to grill or bake your stuffed tilapia. If you prefer, you can also pan-fry or steam the fish. Enjoy your flavourful and juicy stuffed tilapia!

How to cook tilapia in a bamboo steamer

Tilapia is a versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways. In this guide, we will focus on preparing a delicious steamed tilapia dish using a bamboo steamer. This method is simple, quick, and yields tasty results.

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of tilapia, cleaned and scaled
• Salt to taste
• Other seasonings/stuffing of your choice (optional)
• Lemon juice
• Water for steaming

Instructions:

• Prepare the tilapia by making 2-3 slits on each side of the fish. This step helps the fish absorb any seasonings or stuffings better.
• Season the tilapia with salt, rubbing it all over the fish, including the cavity. Let the fish sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the salt.
• If desired, you can stuff the tilapia with a mixture of your choice. A simple option is to mix diced tomatoes, onions, ginger, and garlic, and stuff the mixture into the slits and cavity of the fish.
• Place the tilapia on a heat-proof plate and set it aside.
• Heat water in a base pan and place the bamboo steamer on top.
• Put the plate with the tilapia inside the bamboo steamer, cover, and steam for 10-16 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your fish, so adjust accordingly.
• Once the tilapia is cooked through, remove it from the steamer and squeeze some lemon juice over it.
• Serve the steamed tilapia with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Tips:

• You can also brush the tilapia with melted butter before steaming for added flavour and moisture.
• If you want to enhance the aroma, wrap the tilapia in banana leaves instead of using aluminium foil or a plate.
• While this guide focuses on steaming tilapia, you can easily bake, pan-fry, or grill the stuffed tilapia for a different take on the dish.

How to season tilapia with salt, tamarind powder, and other spices

To season tilapia with salt, tamarind powder, and other spices, you can try the following:

First, make 2 to 3 slits on each side of the tilapia to allow your seasonings to seep through easily and enhance the flavor. Then, rub about 1 teaspoon of salt on each side of the fish and let it absorb the flavor for about 15 minutes.

For the tamarind, you can use tamarind pods, but these may be harder to find at a regular grocery store. You will need to peel each pod, remove the seeds and large thread, and mix the pulp with a bit of water. For convenience, you can use tamarind paste, which is readily available at specialty stores and already has the pulp removed from the pods.

Now, it's time to mix your spices. In a medium bowl, combine 1 medium unripe tomato (cubed), 1 small yellow onion (chopped), 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and some salt and ground black pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like cayenne pepper, cumin, or garlic powder to give it an extra kick. Mix these ingredients well.

After your fish has absorbed the salt, it's time to stuff it with the spice mixture. Generously scoop the mixture into the cavity of the tilapia, making sure to fill the space inside the slits.

Finally, wrap your seasoned and stuffed tilapia in aluminum foil and prepare to grill or bake it. You can also brush the fish with cooking oil before cooking to add a crispy texture.

There are endless ways to season tilapia, so feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to find your favorite combination!

How to serve tilapia with dips and sides

Tilapia is a mild-flavoured fish that goes well with a variety of dips, sides, and salads. Here are some ideas on how to serve tilapia with dips and sides:

Dips

• A creamy dipping sauce flavoured with fresh basil and diced jalapeno pepper. This dip is fresh, spicy, and lemony. It goes well with breaded and fried tilapia bites.
• A combination of mayonnaise and sour cream with basil, garlic, jalapeno, and lemon juice. This dip has a creamy consistency and a spicy kick.
• Yogurt, mayo, sour cream, or crème fraîche can be used as a base for a dip. You can also add leftover fish to make a fish dip. Lemon juice, lime juice, hot sauce, vinegar, salt, spices, and herbs can be added for extra flavour.

Sides

• Rice is a popular side dish to serve with tilapia, as it adds needed calories to the meal. Try a rice pilaf with vegetables or a simple Instant Pot brown rice.
• Salads: a green salad or a grain salad can complement the mild flavour of tilapia. Try a cherry tomato, red onion, and fresh herb salad, or a broccoli salad for meal prep.
• Pasta: pasta salads or simple pasta dishes like mac and cheese can be a great side for tilapia.
• Vegetables: air fryer asparagus, maple Brussels sprouts, zucchini gratin, and garlic butter green beans are some tasty vegetable sides to serve with tilapia.

Frequently asked questions