Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets ( or other firm-fleshed whitefish )
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 garlic cloves ( finely chopped )
2 green onions ( white and green parts , finely chopped )
1 cup fresh cilantro ( finely chopped )
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon fish sauce
4 teaspoons dark maple syrup
slivered almonds ( to garnish ) ( optional )
salt and pepper
4 banana leaves or 4 parchment paper
Tilapia is a popular whitefish that is widely used in Chinese cuisine. This recipe combines the mild flavor of the fish with a savory and sweet Chinese-style marinade to create a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The fish is wrapped in banana leaves or parchment paper to seal in moisture and flavor, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful. The addition of slivered almonds adds a crunchy and nutty texture to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2.If using banana leaves, cut them into pieces that are big enough to wrap around each tilapia fillet twice. If using parchment paper, cut four squares that are big enough to wrap around each fillet.
3.In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the ginger, garlic, green onions, cilantro, sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, and maple syrup to make the marinade.
4.Sprinkle each tilapia fillet with salt and pepper. Spoon 1/4 of the marinade onto each fillet, spreading it evenly.
5.Wrap each fillet tightly in banana leaves or parchment paper, making sure there are no gaps.
6.Place the wrapped fillets on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
7.When ready to serve, unwrap the tilapia fillets and top them with slivered almonds, if desired.

PROS

Tilapia is a low-fat, high-protein fish that is easy to cook and versatile.

Wrapping the tilapia in banana leaves or parchment paper helps to lock in moisture and flavor.

Chinese-style marinade adds a delicious savory and sweet flavor to the fish.

The recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on the number of guests.

CONS

Tilapia is not a sustainable fish, so it is important to source it responsibly.

The recipe requires some prep work to wrap the fish, so it may take longer than other tilapia recipes.

The recipe calls for dark maple syrup, which may not be widely available in some areas.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Tilapia is high in protein and low in saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.
The fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improving heart health and reducing inflammation.
Ginger, garlic, and cilantro used in the marinade are all packed with antioxidants and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.