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Bistek na Tilapia
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5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Bistek na Tilapia

This recipe is a fish version of beef bistek dish. I was amazed that this recipe taste like the beef version even though the main ingredient is fish.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Fish Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: bistek na tilapia, stewed tilapia
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 125kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 1 kilo medium size tilapia about 6 pcs
  • 2 pcs white onions sliced into rings
  • 1/4 cup calamansi juice extracted from fresh calamansi
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. MSG
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • rock salt to taste
  • cooking oil

Instructions

How to cook Bistek na Tilapia:

  • Clean and wash the tilapia, remove grills, innards and scales. Rinse to remove blood and remaining scales.
  • Cut a slit on each side of the fish and rub with rock salt.
  • Fry the tilapia until the skin is crispy and set aside.
  • In a medium size wok or frying pan, heat some oil and saute onions for about 2 minutes or until the onions are soft. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Pour in water, calamansi juice, soy sauce, MSG, sugar and ground pepper then let boil, add also some of the sauteed onions and simmer for a few minutes.
  • Then add in the fried tilapia and simmer for 1 minute to soften the fish and add the onions.
  • Simmer for 1 minute more then remove from heat and serve hot.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips for Bistek na Tilapia:

1. Perfectly Crispy Skin: To achieve the ideal texture, make sure to fry the tilapia until the skin is crispy, as this not only adds a delightful crunch but also prevents the fish from becoming soggy when added to the sauce.
2. Balance the Tanginess: Adjust the amount of calamansi juice and soy sauce to your personal taste, as some prefer a more tangy flavor, while others may opt for a milder and savory profile, ensuring the perfect balance for your palate.
3. Marinate for Enhanced Flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the tilapia in the bistek sauce for 30 minutes before frying; this will infuse the fish with more intense flavors, making your Bistek na Tilapia even more delicious.