Crispy Nile Tilapia with Savory Tofu and Black Pepper Sauce

Crispy Nile Tilapia with Black Pepper Tahu

Ingredients:

• 1 medium/large Nile tilapia fillet
• 6 tablespoons flour (3 tablespoons Sajiku seasoning + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
• 5 small pieces of tahu (tofu), diced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (mixed with ginger)
• 1 stalk green onion, chopped
• 1 tomato
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in water)
• Salt, sugar, black pepper, and chicken stock powder to taste
• Ice water for dipping
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fish:

   • Thinly slice the Nile tilapia fillet. Season it with lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate to marinate.

2. Fry the Tofu:

   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the tofu pieces until they form a crispy exterior, but avoid over-frying them to prevent them from becoming too dry. Set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

   • In a pan, heat some oil and sesame oil (if using). Sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the diced tofu and julienned carrot. Stir briefly.
   • Add enough water to the pan and bring it to a boil.

4. Season the Sauce:

   • Add sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato sauce (if using), and the coarsely ground black pepper mixed with ginger to the pan. Season with salt, sugar, black pepper, and chicken stock powder to taste.
   • Adjust the seasoning as needed and let it simmer. Once the flavors are well combined, add the chopped green onion and tomato slices.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

   • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. Fry the Fish:

   • To keep the fish crispy, coat it with the flour mixture. Dip the coated fish into ice water, then dredge it again in the flour mixture, pressing it gently to adhere.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

7. Serve:

   • Arrange the crispy tilapia fillets on a serving plate and top with the prepared tofu and vegetable sauce. Serve immediately for the best crispiness.

Enjoy this delectable combination of crispy Nile tilapia with a savory tofu and vegetable sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal.