Coconut Curried Tilapia

Coconut Curried Tilapia Recipe from Malaysia | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Malaysia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Coconut Curried Tilapia is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of tilapia with the rich and creamy coconut curry sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, but also elegant enough to serve to guests.

History

Coconut Curried Tilapia is a fusion dish that combines elements of Indian and Caribbean cuisine. The use of curry powder and coconut milk in this recipe is reminiscent of traditional Indian curries, while the use of tilapia, a popular fish in the Caribbean, adds a unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets
1 tbsp oil (olive oil is fine)
1-2 tbsp curry powder
1 cup water
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 tbsp black pepper
0.25 tsp chili powder
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small onion, sliced
10 oz (283 g) coconut milk (use only 0.5)
red pepper flakes (optional)

How to prepare

Season the Tilapia fillets with salt, chile powder, and black pepper. Set them aside.
In an iron pot, heat the olive oil; add the curry powder and stir often. Allow the curry powder to practically burn. Add a little water whenever the paste becomes too sticky.
Add the majority of the garlic and onions and coat them well.
Add the coconut milk and stir. After 1 minute, add the remaining garlic and onions.
Lower the heat and cover for about 15 – 20 minutes.
Serve the dish over jasmine or coconut rice.

Variations

Substitute tilapia with another white fish such as cod or halibut.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the curry sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Use different spices such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the tilapia fillets well before cooking to enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to allow the curry powder to burn slightly before adding the other ingredients to develop a deep and complex flavor.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder and chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish over jasmine or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Coconut Curried Tilapia over jasmine or coconut rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include seasoning the fish, toasting the curry powder, and simmering the curry sauce until thick and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any white fish fillets in place of tilapia.

- Substitute coconut milk with coconut cream for a richer sauce.

- Use vegetable broth in place of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the curry sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the fish when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Coconut Curried Tilapia with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Coconut Curried Tilapia pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coconut Curried Tilapia contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Coconut Curried Tilapia contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Coconut Curried Tilapia contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Coconut Curried Tilapia contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut Curried Tilapia is a good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Coconut Curried Tilapia is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Coconut Curried Tilapia is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a creamy coconut curry sauce and tender tilapia fillets, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Coconut Curried Tilapia. It was a warm summer day when my dear friend Sarah invited me over for lunch at her cozy cottage by the lake. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of spices wafting from her kitchen.

Sarah was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of bubbling curry sauce. I watched in fascination as she added coconut milk, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a dash of chili powder to the mix. The fragrant blend of spices danced in the air, teasing my taste buds and beckoning me closer.

"Come, sit down and relax," Sarah said, motioning to the table set with a colorful array of dishes. "I've prepared something special for you today."

I eagerly took a seat, my mouth watering in anticipation of the meal to come. Sarah served me a steaming plate of Coconut Curried Tilapia, garnished with fresh cilantro and served with fluffy jasmine rice on the side. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas of the dish made my heart sing with delight.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a tropical paradise. The delicate tilapia melted in my mouth, infused with the rich and creamy coconut curry sauce. Each bite was a symphony of flavors – the sweetness of the coconut, the warmth of the spices, and the tender flakiness of the fish.

I couldn't help but ask Sarah for the recipe, eager to recreate this culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen. She chuckled and handed me a worn, stained piece of paper with faded handwriting. "This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations," she said. "I'm happy to share it with you, my dear friend."

From that day on, Coconut Curried Tilapia became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would prepare it for gatherings with friends and family, always eliciting raves and compliments from my guests. It became a symbol of love and friendship, a dish that brought people together around the table in joy and celebration.

Over the years, I have tweaked and personalized the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I experimented with different types of fish, added more or less spice, and even tried substituting coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter version. But no matter how I modified it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a delicious and comforting meal that never failed to please.

As I grew older and wiser, I realized that recipes are more than just instructions for preparing food. They are a reflection of our memories, experiences, and relationships. Each recipe tells a story, capturing the essence of a moment in time and the people who shared it with us.

So whenever I make Coconut Curried Tilapia, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon at Sarah's cottage, of the laughter and friendship we shared, and of the simple joys of good food and good company. And as I savor each bite, I am grateful for the gift of culinary creativity and the joy of sharing delicious meals with the ones I love.