Pan-Fried Tilapia with Kare-Kare Sauce

This is a lighter alternative to your favorite kare-kare. It’s not too heavy on the tummy, but still decadent to the palate. Use any white fish to ensure a light yet hearty meal.

Serves 4 to 5  Prep Time 5 to 10 minutes  Cooking Time 15 minutes

3 tablespoons canola oil for frying
4 tablespoons garlic, minced
4 whole tilapia, cleaned and scaled
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons achuete oil (1 tablespoon achuete seeds + 3 tablespoons canola oil)
2 bulbs white onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoons or more bagoong
4 tablespoons peanuts, finely ground or chopped
2 cups fish or shrimp broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with
1 tablespoon cold water (optional)
cilantro for garnish

1  Heat canola oil to medium high and cook garlic until golden brown. Strain toasted garlic but leave oil in the pan.

2  Season tilapia with salt and pepper, and fry in same oil used for garlic. When fish are browned, set aside then add achuete oil. Sauté onions and ginger then add bagoong and peanuts. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the fish or shrimp broth then let simmer for 5 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch mix if desired.

3  Return the fish to the sauce and simmer for 2 more minutes, then serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno │ Styling by Rolando Laudico of Chef Laudico's Bistro Filipino │ Prop Styling by Pamela Lim

• ivy Sep 16 2010 @ 08:35am Report Abuse

     

  i will definitely try this today. My hubby loves tilapia.
• Tanya Regala Jun 25 2010 @ 09:01am Report Abuse

     

  Hi!
  
  Your kare kare looks really delicious!
  
  I'm collecting a list of the best kare kare recipes in my blog, and I included your kare kare recipe (just a link though, hope you don't mind). You can see it at
  http://kumain.com/kare-kare-2/
  
  Keep in touch!