Steaming Tilapia: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Meal

Steaming is a great way to cook tilapia, a versatile fish that can be paired with a variety of ingredients. It is a simple, tasty, and healthy dish that can be prepared in a steamer, wok, or even a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. The key to achieving soft and juicy tilapia is to not overcook it, as this can make the fish tough and rubbery. In this article, we will explore different ways to cook tilapia in a steamer, including a classic Cantonese recipe, a wine sauce recipe, and a vegetable steamed tilapia recipe.

Seasoning and ingredients

The seasoning and ingredients you will need for steaming tilapia are simple and can likely be found in your pantry.

For a classic Cantonese steamed tilapia, you will need:

• Light soy sauce
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Green onions or scallions
• Cilantro
• Salt
• Sugar
• Hot water
• Vegetable oil or olive oil

You can also add other ingredients such as:

• Oyster sauce
• Onions
• Black pepper
• Greek seasoning
• Baby carrots
• Bell peppers
• Red onion
• Celery
• Chives
• Dry white wine

If you want to add a dipping sauce, you can try a mayo-based or soy-based sauce. For a simple and tasty recipe, you can also just drizzle the steamed tilapia with a mixture of oyster sauce and soy sauce, and garnish with grated ginger.

To prepare the tilapia, make sure to thoroughly clean the inside of the fish, removing the gills and clotted blood, and washing its mouth. You can also rub the inside and outside of the fish with salt and citrus fruit juice, such as lemon or calamansi, to get rid of any fishy smell.

Steamer setup

The traditional way to steam fish is with a wok, steaming rack, and lid, or a wok and a bamboo steamer. If you don't have a wok or steamer, you can use a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. You can use a steaming rack or an empty tuna can in 1-2 inches of water.

For this recipe, you will need a heat-proof plate that fits into your steaming setup. You will also need a pot to boil water in for the steamer.

First, prepare your steamer setup and fill it with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil.

Next, carefully wash the inside of the tilapia, removing the gills and clotted blood. Wash the fish's mouth thoroughly and rub it with citrus fruit like lemon or calamansi, followed by salt, inside and out. Then, wash the fish again.

Place the tilapia on the heat-proof plate and add your desired seasonings and sauces. You can use oyster sauce, soy sauce, chopped garlic, onions, black pepper, and grated ginger. You can also add onion leeks or parsley for extra flavour.

Carefully place the plate of fish into your steamer, cover with a lid, and adjust the heat to medium. The water should be at a slow boil that generates a good amount of steam without evaporating too quickly.

Steam the tilapia for 6-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fish. A thicker, larger fillet will take longer to cook. Check for doneness by using a butter knife to gently pierce the thickest part of the fillet. The fish is cooked when the knife falls through easily without resistance.

Once the tilapia is cooked, turn off the heat and carefully drain any liquid on the plate. You can then add a sauce of your choice, such as a mixture of heated olive oil, oyster sauce, and soy sauce.

Cooking time

The cooking time for steamed tilapia depends on the type of cookware you are using, the thickness of your fillets, and whether you are cooking whole tilapia or fillets.

If you are using a wok, steaming rack, and lid, or a wok and a bamboo steamer, you will need to steam your tilapia for 7-10 minutes if your fillets are small and thin. For thicker and larger fillets, the cooking time will be longer, around 15 minutes. If you are cooking whole tilapia, the cooking time will be even longer, as the bones extend the cooking time.

If you are using a large pot or deep skillet with a lid and a steaming rack or an empty tuna can in 1-2 inches of water, the cooking time will be similar to using a wok. For small, thin fillets, steam for 4-5 minutes. For thicker and larger fillets, steam for up to 15 minutes. Again, if you are cooking whole tilapia, the cooking time will be longer.

You can check if your tilapia is cooked by gently piercing the thickest part of the fillet with a dull butter knife. If the knife falls through easily without resistance, your tilapia is cooked. It is important not to overcook your tilapia, as it can become tough or rubbery.

If you are baking your tilapia in the oven, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Fish preparation

First, you'll want to clean the fish thoroughly. Remove the gills and any clotted blood, and wash the inside of the fish with a citrus fruit, such as lemon. Then, rub the tilapia with salt, inside and out, and wash it again.

Next, prepare your steamer. You can use a metal-tiered steamer, a wok, a deep skillet, or a large pot with a lid. Place a small round metal rack or an empty tuna can at the bottom for the plate to sit on, and fill it with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil.

Now, prepare the tilapia fillets. You can use whole fish or fillets, depending on your preference and the number of people you're serving. If you want to add vegetables, place celery, carrots, bell pepper, and red onion on top of the fillets. Alternatively, for a more traditional Chinese recipe, sprinkle ginger, garlic, and green onion over the fish, along with soy sauce.

Carefully place the plate of fish into your steamer, cover with a lid, and adjust the heat to medium. The water should be at a slow boil that generates a good amount of steam. Check that the water isn't evaporating too quickly, and steam the fish for 7-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the fillets.

Once the fish is cooked, turn off the heat and drain any liquid on the plate. You can now add any additional ingredients, such as scallions, cilantro, or a sauce of your choice.

Your tilapia is now ready to be served!

Serving suggestions

Steamed tilapia is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Rice: Steamed tilapia pairs well with rice, whether it's jasmine rice or wild rice. It provides a hearty base for the delicate fish and can help to soak up any sauces or juices.
• Vegetables: You can steam vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, celery, baby carrots, or bok choy alongside the tilapia. This adds more nutrition to your meal and enhances the overall flavour. Just adjust the steaming time for your desired tenderness.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve your steamed tilapia with a side salad. A citrusy dressing or some lemon juice can add a refreshing twist to the dish.
• Sauces: There are several sauces that go well with steamed tilapia. You can try a simple soy-based sauce by mixing soy sauce and oyster sauce, or opt for something more complex like a lemon sauce, citrus sauce, or lemon butter.
• Herbs: Garnishing your steamed tilapia with chopped herbs like cilantro, parsley, or onion leeks can add a fresh touch to the dish.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like Greek seasoning, garlic powder, or black pepper to enhance the flavour of the fish.
• Other sides: If you're looking for something other than rice, you can serve steamed tilapia with quinoa, couscous, or even crab-stuffed tilapia.

Remember, steamed tilapia is a mild-flavoured dish, so you want to enhance its natural flavours without overwhelming them. Keep it simple, fresh, and delicious!

Frequently asked questions