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There are some meals that I could literally eat every night, and this Asian tilapia recipe is one of them.
The tender fish is pan-seared so it gets a nice crust, then simmered in a salty, garlicky ginger-soy sauce that’s simply out of this world.
This easy meal is so flavorful and healthy, and it’s also gluten free and dairy free!
I have been known to stand at the stove, eating this fish right out of the pan. And when you put it over a bed of fluffy rice and throw some flavorful wilted spinach on the side? So so good.
And it’s not just me. The whole family loves it.
What is tilapia?
Tilapia is a white freshwater fish with a mild flavor, so it’s great for even picky eaters. It’s also inexpensive.
This lean fish is a great alternative to more expensive and similar tasting types of fish like branzino and red snapper.
There are many different ways to enjoy tilapia. Since tilapia is a flaky white fish, the best way to to enjoy it is to avoid heavy preparations and sauces.
Pan-searing tilapia and using minimal seasonings is my favorite way to allow the flavor of this mild fish to shine through. A little salt, pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice is all it needs.
I love using tilapia for fish tacos in the summer. And I especially love it in this Asian tilapia recipe.
Is tilapia healthy?
For sure! Like most fish, tilapia is high in lean protein, vitamins and minerals. It’s also high in Omega-3 fatty acids and has virtually no carbohydrates.
This tasty fish is a great option when you’re looking for a light, healthy, low carb protein without that fishy odor.
What’s in this Asian Tilapia recipe
It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can create such a huge flavor profile. That’s why this easy recipe is one of my favorites. Delicious flavors, minimal work. It’s a great recipe to make on a busy weeknight.
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy tilapia recipe:
- Tilapia filets. Skip the fresh fish market prices and buy frozen tilapia. It’s inexpensive and lasts for a long time in the freezer.
- Vegetable oil. This is what we’ll use to pan-sear our fish. Vegetable oil lends a lighter flavor which is better for fish than an olive oil would be.
- Sesame oil. Only a few drops lend massive toasty flavor to the Asian-inspired sauce.
- Mirin. It’s Japanese rice wine that’s similar to sake, but with a higher sugar content. Using mirin is an easy way to naturally thicken sauces without the use of additional starches. You can find mirin in most grocery stores in the Asian section.
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Soy sauce. To keep this recipe gluten free, be sure to use gluten free soy sauce or tamari.
- Baby spinach leaves
- Cooked rice. Plain old white or brown rice work great in this recipe. I love using boil-in-bag rice because it’s so easy.
How to make Asian-style Tilapia
The cooking process for this easy weeknight dinner is quick and it all happens in one pan.
The tilapia fillets go right into the pan without any flour or cornstarch. Get them golden brown on both sides and then remove them from the pan so you can make the sauce.
Here’s when things start to smell amazing! Sizzle the ginger and garlic together with the mirin, soy sauce and that little bit of sesame oil I mentioned. The sauce will thicken up in just a few minutes.
Add your cooked fish back into the pan. The spinach just needs to wilt, and it will only take a minute. So be sure to add the spinach just before you’re ready to serve this tilapia dinner.
What is a good side dish for tilapia?
If you’re looking for an alternative to spinach, try other green veggies like roasted brussels sprouts or steamed green beans.
How long can tilapia be frozen?
Tilapia will keep in the freezer for 6-8 months. We stock up on fresh tilapia at Costco. I love buying all kinds of proteins there. Coscto sells high-quality delicious fish for far less than a fancy seafood market.
When we get the tilapia home, we re-wrap the fish fillets in plastic wrap and put them in an airtight container or freezer bag for double protection against freezer burn.
Often times we will also vacuum seal the fish, which is the best method. If you have a vacuum-sealing machine, use it! It’s the best choice for preserving any type of fish. Using a vacuum sealer, your tilapia can last for up to 1 year in the freezer.
Can you cook tilapia from a frozen state?
You sure can! If you don’t have time to defrost your fish, you can simply pan-sear it while it’s still frozen.
Keep in mind that the cooking time will probably be about 50% longer. It’s a good idea to check that the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees, which is the standard for fish.
FAQs
What if you can’t find mirin?
If your grocery store doesn’t carry mirin, you can just regular white wine or even rice vinegar.
You’ll have to make up for the loss of sweetness though, so add 3 teaspoons of sugar to this recipe if you’re using regular wine or vinegar.
Can you use a different kind of fish instead of tilapia in this recipe?
Absolutely. I’d stay in the mild, flaky family though. Catfish, trout or sea bass are good options.
Is there a substitute for fresh ginger?
Ground ginger is the most obvious substitute for fresh ginger. Because ground spices are always more concentrated in flavor, you’ll only need 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in this recipe. (You can do the same for garlic with garlic powder.)
Another substitute for fresh ginger, that’s also my preferred option, is minced ginger from a jar. The flavor is fresher and closer to the real thing.
Minced ginger from a jar can be used in recipes in that call for fresh ginger in the the same amounts.
When you make this Asian tilapia recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more easy and healthy recipes, try these:
- Easy Layered Southwest Salad with Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
- Herb Crusted Chicken Recipe (Texas Roadhouse Style)
- Oven-Baked Tilapia with Cherry Tomatoes (One Pan Recipe)
For more gluten free dinner recipes, try these:
- Gluten Free Pad Thai with Shrimp
- Chicken Shawarma with Tahini Yogurt Sauce
- Coconut Cauliflower Curry
One Pan Asian Tilapia Recipe (Easy and Healthy)
Ingredients
- 4 8 oz. tilapia fillets
- 6 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 1 Tbsp. garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. ginger minced
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce or tamari
- 5 cups cooked rice
- red pepper flakes garnish, optional
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Pat tilapia loins dry with paper towels. Pan fry the tilapia in a single layer (do not crowd the pan), 7-8 minutes per side, until both sides have a golden crust. Remove onto a separate plate.
- Add the sesame oil, garlic and ginger to the pan. Once the garlic and ginger start to sizzle, add the mirin and soy sauce. Reduce heat to low.
- Put the fish back into the pan and simmer, spooning sauce over the fish, 3-5 minutes.
- Divide the cooked rice evenly among serving plates. Add the spinach to the pan and cook 1 minute, until spinach wilts. Plate the fish and spinach over the rice. Garnish with red pepper flakes, if desired.
Tobi Grant says
Delicious! I will serve this over cauliflower rice to make it fit into my low carb eating plan.
simmerandsage says
That’s a great idea! I hope you love it!