Steamed Tilapia : This recipe gently steamed to perfection, locking in its natural juices and subtle sweetness with aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and garlic, every bite is a balance of freshness and comfort for a quick weeknight dinner, pairs beautifully with steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad.
Why Steamed Tilapia?
Steaming is one of the healthiest ways to cook tilapia as it locks in moisture without adding extra fat. This cooking technique highlights tilapia’s mild flavor, making it a versatile canvas for vibrant seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or lime.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Steamed Tilapia
- Choose Fresh Fish: Look for firm, slightly translucent flesh with no “fishy” smell. Frozen tilapia is also great, but thaw it properly before cooking.
- Season Generously: Since tilapia is mild, don’t hesitate to use bold flavors like minced garlic, grated ginger, and citrus zest.
- Avoid Overcooking: Steam the fish just until it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
- Use Aromatics in the Steaming Liquid: Add slices of lemon, ginger, or scallions to your steaming water for a subtle infusion of flavor.
Variations to Try
Thai-Inspired Steamed Tilapia:
Add a splash of fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh chilies for a tangy, spicy twist.
Mediterranean-Style:
Season with olive oil, minced garlic, capers, and oregano. Add thinly sliced tomatoes on top before steaming.
Coconut-Lime Version:
Replace the steaming water with coconut milk and add a dash of lime zest for a creamy, tropical flavor.
How to Serve Steamed Tilapia
Steamed tilapia pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Rice: Jasmine or brown rice soaks up the flavorful juices.
- Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans complements the dish.
- Noodles: Serve over rice noodles tossed in a light sesame-soy dressing.
For a complete meal, add a tangy cucumber salad or a quick stir-fry of mixed vegetables.
How to Store and Reheat Steamed Tilapia
Storing:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover fish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Although steamed fish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating:
- Use a steamer or microwave to gently reheat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the fish from drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I steam tilapia without a steamer?
Absolutely! Use a large skillet or pot with a lid. Place a heatproof plate on an inverted bowl inside the pot and add water to just below the plate.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. A meat thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Coconut aminos or tamari are great gluten-free alternatives. You can also try a mix of lemon juice and olive oil for a different flavor profile.
Steamed Tilapia
Steamed Tilapia : This recipe gently steamed to perfection, locking in its natural juices and subtle sweetness with aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and garlic, every bite is a balance of freshness and comfort for a quick weeknight dinner, pairs beautifully with steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad.
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- 1 green onion, roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, place a steamer rack and add about an inch of water. Heat to a gentle simmer.
- Lay tilapia fillets on a plate that fits your steamer. Drizzle soy sauce over the fish and top with ginger, garlic, and green onion.
- Carefully place the plate into the steamer, cover, and steam for 15 minutes or until the fish is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the fish from the steamer and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 236Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 97mgSodium 1415mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 47g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Steamed tilapia is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or a light yet impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers every time. With endless variations, it’s a dish you can revisit time and again, each time with a new twist.
Try these other Tilapia recipes:
