Fried Whole Tilapia With Basil And Chilies Recipe

Name: Fried Whole Tilapia With Basil And Chilies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Servings: persons

1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.

352

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 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, and more.

Yes, Fried Whole Tilapia With Basil And Chilies falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Fried Whole Tilapia With Basil And Chilies

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions