Cantonese-Inspired Pan-Fried Tilapia Recipe
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Servings:
2 Servings
Ingredients
  • 1 (1 ½-pound) whole tilapia, scaled and gutted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • Neutral oil (canola or sunflower), for frying
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1-inch knob ginger, finely grated
  • 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
Directions
  1. Score the tilapia on both sides.
  2. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Dust the tilapia with cornstarch.
  4. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large pan over high heat.
  5. Fry the tilapia until golden and crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
  6. Remove the fish and set aside to drain.
  7. Transfer 2 tablespoons of oil to another pan.
  8. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and scallions for 30 seconds.
  9. Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and sugar. Simmer for 1 minute.
  10. Place the tilapia in the pan, spoon sauce over fish, and heat together for 30 seconds.
  11. Transfer to a platter, garnish with more chopped scallions, and serve immediately.