Easy Thai garlic fried tilapia: fish steaks marinated in seasoning sauce and garlic, then fried until crisp and golden. Only 4 ingredients, no dipping sauce needed.

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Thai garlic fried tilapia is light, easy to digest and packed with protein. Marinate, fry until fragrant and golden, and it is delicious straight from the pan with no dipping sauce required. Serve it as an appetizer or as a side with rice.

This recipe comes from a home cook on the Thai community site Pantip.com, who started making garlic fried fish at home after the kids asked for it and the family was not sure about the quality of the oil used at street stalls. Homemade turned out to be far more reassuring, and just as tasty. The fish is scored, marinated in garlic and seasoning sauce, then fried until cooked through and crisp at the edges.

It is a dish that suits almost every age and is very convenient to cook at home.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia steaks (or 1 whole tilapia, cut into pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon Thai seasoning sauce (such as Golden Mountain or Maggi)
  • Minced garlic, about 1 tablespoon or to taste
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Score the fish pieces in a crosshatch pattern and wash them thoroughly. Pat dry.
  2. Add the tablespoon of seasoning sauce.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
  4. Mix well so every piece is coated, and let it sit for a few minutes.
  5. Heat plenty of oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat and fry the tilapia until golden and cooked through, turning once.
  6. Transfer to a wire rack to drain off excess oil.
  7. Arrange on a plate and serve hot.

Tips

  • Fry some extra sliced garlic in the oil at the end and scatter it over the fish for even more crunch and aroma.
  • The same marinade works well with canned mackerel or any firm white fish.
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