Sweet and Sour Fish Tilapia or Escabecheng Tilapia Recipe

Amazing Sweet and sour fish tilapia or escabecheng tilapia recipe

Sweet and sour fish tilapia, also known as escabecheng tilapia, is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the whole family. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. While tilapia is a popular choice for this dish due to its mild flavor and tender texture, it’s not the only fish you can use. Any firm and fatty fish works well, and you can even opt for fillets if you prefer a boneless option. The versatility of this recipe allows you to adapt it to your preferences while still achieving that signature sweet and sour taste.

The sweet and sour fish recipe, or escabeche, is a beloved Filipino dish that has been adapted from foreign culinary traditions. Its origins are believed to trace back to either Chinese or Spanish cuisine, reflecting the rich cultural influences that have shaped Filipino cooking. Regardless of its exact origins, one thing is certain: this dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The fish is typically fried until golden and crispy, then topped with a vibrant sauce made from vinegar, sugar, bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Some versions also include ginger or garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. The bright colors of the vegetables and the glossy sauce make it a feast for the eyes, while the combination of textures—crispy fish and tender-crisp veggies—creates a delightful eating experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this sweet and sour fish tilapia recipe is sure to impress. It’s a dish that I personally adore, and I’m confident it will become a favorite in your household too. Serve it with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor and tradition!

Note: When you fry the fish, keep the fish moist inside and cook it until the outside is golden and crunchy. And it is also best not to overcook the vegetables. Happy Cooking, Share and Enjoy Eating.

For more fish recipe, feel free to browse our recipe archive.

For a cooking video guide on this recipe, please click here: Sweet and Sour Fish Tilapia Video

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Sweet and Sour Fish Tilapia or Escabecheng Tilapia Recipe

Author: Yummy Food Ph Cooking Method: Frying, Sauteing Cuisine: Asian, Filipino Courses: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish Recipe Keys: Fish High Protein Pescetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 804

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Sweet and sour fish tilapia, also known as escabecheng tilapia, is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for the whole family. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

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Servings

• 1 tilapia fish approx. 500 grams (cleaned)
• salt (to taste)
• cooking oil (for frying)

The Sauce:

• 2 tbsp cooking oil (for sauteing)
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 thumb-sized ginger (cut into strips)
• 1 small carrot (cut into strips)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips)
• 3 long green chili (cut into strips)
• ¹⁄₃ cup vinegar
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp ketchup
• slurry mixture (1 tsp. cornstarch + 1/4 cup water)
• pinch salt and pepper (to taste)
• spring onion for garnish (finely chop)

Instructions

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Preparation:

1. Clean the fish by removing the scales and innards. Wash and make slits on both sides, then add salt and rub it all over the fish and set it aside.

2. Peel and mince the garlic; peel and slice the onion. Peel and strip the ginger and carrots. Then cored and strips the bell pepper and green chili.

Cooking:

1. Heat cooking oil in a pan. Fry the tilapia one side at a time until it turns golden brown. Then flip the fish over to fry on the other side. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside for a while.

2. Next, make the sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Saute the garlic until aromatic. Saute the onion until soft. Add the carrot and keep sauteing. Add the bell pepper and long green chili, then saute them all together.

3. Add the vinegar and allow it to cook for 2 minutes without stirring. Add the ketchup, stir, and cook over medium-low heat.

4. Add sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved, then add the slurry mixture. (1 tsp. cornstarch + 1/4 cup water) stir until well combined.

5. Add freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Stir, taste it, and adjust as necessary. Remove it from the heat.

Plating:

1. Assemble the fried fish and the sauce in a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped spring onions if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 804kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 40.1g62%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 125mg42%

Sodium 1001mg42%

Potassium 1618mg47%

Total Carbohydrate 60g20%

Dietary Fiber 6.6g27%

Sugars 32.4g

Protein 55.3g111%

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Calcium 8 mg

Iron 30 mg

Vitamin D 39 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: sweet & sour fish , escabecheng isda, fish recipe, escabecheng tilapia,