Fried Whole Tilapia With Basil And Chilies Recipes

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a 3- or 4-quart pan to at least 375-degrees F. (just a couple of drops of water flipped off your hand will really crackle when the oil has reached this heat level).
• Roll the DRY and THAWED fish in the flour, shake off excess flour, and let the filets sit on a rack or, on wax paper, for 5-10 minutes.
• Roll the fillets in the flour a second time, shake off excess flour, and deep fry, no more than 2 at a time. (frying more than 2 filets at once drives down the oil temperature which will make the fish and coating soggy!) Turn once in the pan after a minute or so and remove when golden brown. They should be done in under 4 minutes, white and flakey inside at the thickest section of the filet. Do not overcook!
• Drain each filet on paper towels for a few seconds and serve.

Steps:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450*.
• Pour wine and butter into glass measuring cup and microwave on high until butter begins to melt, about 1 minute.
• Spread basil leaves over bottom of 9 X 13 glass baking dish, reserving a few large ones for the top of the fish.
• Place fillets over the remaining basil.
• Remove the wine mixture from the microwave and add fresh lemon juice.
• Stir or whisk the wine mixture and pour over the fish.
• Season the fish with the salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle the onion powder and bread crumbs evenly over the fish, then add paprika.
• Cover the pan with aluminum foil, place in lower third of preheated oven, for 12 minutes.
• Uncover fish and continue to cook until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 2-3 more minutes.
• Serve at once.

Steps:

• Prepare grill for indirect heat. Combine the rice, onions, red pepper and basil; place on a greased double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 15 in. square). Top with the tilapia, snow peas and peanut sauce. Fold foil around mixture and seal tightly. , Grill, covered, over indirect medium-hot heat for 8-10 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.