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Thai Fish with Tamarind Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This Thai Fish with Tamarind Sauce recipe features tender tilapia fillets perfectly seared and smothered in a tangy, sweet, and savory tamarind sauce. Enhanced with aromatic ginger, garlic, green onions, and colorful bell peppers, this dish is garnished with crunchy roasted peanuts, fragrant basil microgreens, and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and vibrant meal inspired by traditional Thai cuisine.

Ingredients

Fish and Marinade

  • 6 fillets Tilapia
  • ¼ cup cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
  • 2 tsp garlic paste
  • 1 cup tamarind water (tamarind pulp soaked and strained in water)
  • ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup fish sauce
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp julienned ginger
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (seeds discarded)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¼ cup water

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp raw peanuts, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup basil microgreens

Instructions

  1. Prepare Peanuts: Chop the raw peanuts in a handheld nut grinder and dry roast them in a nonstick pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside for garnish later.
  2. Prep Vegetables: Julienne the ginger into thin strips, chop the green onions, and slice the red bell pepper into thin slivers, discarding the seeds to avoid bitterness.
  3. Make Tamarind Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the tamarind water, low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, and dark brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside this flavorful sauce base.
  4. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry that will be used to thicken the sauce.
  5. Sear the Tilapia: Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then sear the tilapia fillets on both sides until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove fillets from the pan and set aside.
  6. Retain Cooking Oil: Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil from the pan, leaving the flavorful residue for sautéing.
  7. Sauté Garlic: Add the garlic paste to the reserved oil in the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Pour the prepared tamarind sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a boil.
  9. Add Vegetables to Sauce: Add two-thirds of the bell peppers, ginger, and green onions to the sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  10. Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry to the boiling sauce and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
  11. Plate the Fish: Arrange the cooked tilapia fillets neatly in a shallow serving dish.
  12. Pour Sauce Over Fish: Spoon the thickened tamarind sauce and vegetable mixture evenly over the plated fish.
  13. Garnish: Layer the remaining red bell peppers, green onions, julienned ginger on top, followed by the chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, and basil microgreens to finish the dish with texture, aroma, and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Cooking oil can be vegetable, canola, or any neutral oil suitable for searing fish.
  • Tamarind water is made by soaking tamarind pulp in warm water for about 15 minutes, then straining to remove solids.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Fish sauce adds authentic umami flavor but can be reduced if sensitive to salt.
  • Dark brown sugar brings depth and subtle molasses notes to the tamarind sauce.
  • Make sure to dry roast the peanuts to enhance their crunch and flavor.
  • The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce without lumps—stir well before adding.
  • Ensure the tilapia reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.
  • Basil microgreens can be substituted with fresh Thai basil if unavailable.
  • Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a complete Thai-inspired meal.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/thai-fish-with-tamarind-sauce-recipe/