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Red Tilapia 500g+-

$7.00

Price incl. GST (9%) $1.32

Gross Weight : 500g+- Cooking Method: Steam, Deep Fry, Stir Fry, Grill Order today. Delivery on Friday and Saturday! Delivery time: 1pm to 6pm! Contact us +65 9651 9874 for more information or requirement.

Product Details

Red Tilapia refers to a variety of tilapia that is often recognized for its reddish or pinkish hue, a result of selective breeding. It is a popular fish in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, and is farmed in both freshwater and brackish water environments. Red Tilapia is a favorite in many Asian dishes due to its mild flavor, tender flesh, and versatility in cooking.

Key Characteristics of Red Tilapia:

  1. Appearance:
    • Color: As the name suggests, Red Tilapia has a reddish or pinkish color, especially on the body and fins. This color is more pronounced in farmed varieties due to breeding practices.
    • Body Shape: Red Tilapia has a laterally compressed body with a broad, flat appearance. The fish can be easily identified by its small, triangular head and large fins.
    • Size: Red Tilapia can grow to around 30-40 cm (12–16 inches) in length, but larger specimens are occasionally found in ponds and farms. Farmed tilapia is usually smaller and more consistent in size.
  2. Flavor and Texture:
    • Taste: Red Tilapia has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, which makes it versatile for various cuisines. Its flavor is not overly fishy, making it appealing to a broad range of tastes.
    • Texture: The flesh of Red Tilapia is firm, moist, and flaky. It holds together well during cooking, making it suitable for grilling, frying, steaming, and even baking.
  3. Habitat:
    • Red Tilapia is typically farmed in freshwater and brackish water environments like ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Malaysia, with its extensive aquaculture industry, is one of the primary producers of tilapia in the region.
    • It is well-suited to farmed environments, where it is often raised in controlled conditions that allow for efficient production.

Culinary Uses of Red Tilapia:

Red Tilapia’s mild flavor and firm texture make it a versatile fish for various cooking methods. It’s commonly used in a wide range of dishes, from fried and grilled preparations to soups, stews, and curries.

1. Grilled Red Tilapia (Ikan Bakar):

Grilled tilapia is a popular dish in Southeast Asia, often marinated with spices and herbs to bring out the natural sweetness of the fish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole Red Tilapia (cleaned and gutted)
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 2 tablespoons chili paste (sambal)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Mix turmeric powder, chili paste, soy sauce, olive oil, and salt to create a marinade.
  2. Rub the marinade over the fish, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  4. Grill the fish for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and has a slight char.
  5. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy with steamed rice or a salad.

2. Steamed Red Tilapia with Ginger and Soy:

A light and aromatic dish where the fish is steamed with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for added flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Red Tilapia fillets
  • 3–4 slices of fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Fresh cilantro or spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Place the fish fillets on a heatproof plate.
  2. Scatter the ginger and minced garlic over the fish fillets.
  3. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the fish.
  4. Steam the fish for 6–8 minutes until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped spring onions before serving.

3. Fried Red Tilapia:

A crispy and flavorful way to enjoy tilapia, often served with a tangy dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Red Tilapia fillets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour and cornstarch.
  3. Dredge the fillets in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Fry the fillets for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

4. Red Tilapia in Coconut Milk Curry:

This dish combines the delicate taste of Red Tilapia with a rich, creamy coconut milk curry that’s packed with spices.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Red Tilapia fillets (cut into chunks)
  • 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan, then sauté the curry paste for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar, stirring until combined.
  3. Bring to a simmer, then add the tilapia chunks and cook for 6–8 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving with rice.

5. Red Tilapia Soup:

A light, healthy soup where the delicate flavor of tilapia is paired with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Red Tilapia fillets (or whole fish)
  • 4 cups fish stock or water
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 sprigs of cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring fish stock or water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes, onions, and tamarind paste (if using), and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the tilapia fillets and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked and flakes easily.
  4. Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Nutritional Benefits of Red Tilapia:

  • Lean Protein: Red Tilapia is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Like many other fish, Red Tilapia contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.
  • Low in Fat: Red Tilapia is relatively low in fat, making it a good choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: This fish provides essential vitamins, including B12 and niacin, as well as minerals like phosphorus and selenium, which support metabolism and overall health.

Sustainability of Red Tilapia:

  • Aquaculture: Red Tilapia is commonly farmed in aquaculture systems, particularly in Southeast Asia. Tilapia farming is considered sustainable when managed well, as it has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other types of fish farming. However, like all aquaculture, sustainability depends on responsible farming practices such as water quality management, responsible feed sourcing, and minimizing environmental damage.
  • Wild Fisheries: While wild-caught Red Tilapia is less common than farmed varieties, it is important to source tilapia from fisheries that adhere to sustainable practices to avoid overfishing and habitat destruction.

Conclusion:

Red Tilapia is a versatile and flavorful fish that lends itself to a variety of cooking methods. Whether you prefer it grilled, fried, steamed, or cooked in a curry or soup, its mild flavor and firm texture make it a popular choice in Southeast Asian and international cuisines. With its nutritional benefits and relatively sustainable farming practices, Red Tilapia is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious fish option.

If you have specific questions or would like additional recipes or tips, feel free to ask!

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