Pan-Seared Tilapia with Cherry Tomato Sambal and Coconut Basmati Rice

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Asia with this dish, featuring pan-seared tilapia, a sweet and spicy cherry tomato sambal, and a side of fragrant coconut basmati rice. The combination of textures and flavors will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia. This recipe is a harmonious balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes that will leave you craving for more.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium
Cuisine
Asian
  • asian
  • slot-machine-generated
  • tilapia
  • cherry tomato
  • basmati rice
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Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 4piecestilapia fillets, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2cupscherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1cupbasmati rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1cupcoconut milk, full-fat
  • 2tbspsvegetable oil, divided
  • 1cupshallots, thinly sliced
  • 3clovesgarlic, minced
  • 1inchginger, grated
  • 2tbspssambal oelek, chili paste
  • 1tbspfish sauce, optional
  • 1tbsplime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4cupcilantro, chopped
  • to tastesalt
  • to tastepepper

Nutrition

Calories

420

105 per serving

Protein

35g

70% DV

Fat

20g

29% DV

Carbs

30g

10% DV

Macronutrient Breakdown

Protein33%
Fat43%
Carbs29%
Fiber
4g

% Daily Values based on a 2000 calorie diet

Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

    2mmedium heat
  2. 2

    Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until the rice is coated in the oil and slightly toasted.

    2mmedium heat
  3. 3

    Add the coconut milk, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

    15mlow heat
  4. 4

    While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they are lightly browned and crispy.

    4mmedium-high heat
  5. 5

    Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute or until fragrant.

    1mmedium-high heat
  6. 6

    Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until they start to release their juices and soften.

    4mmedium heat
  7. 7

    Add the sambal oelek, fish sauce (if using), and lime juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

    2mmedium heat
  8. 8

    Add the seasoned tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook, flipping occasionally, for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and flake easily with a fork.

    8mmedium heat