Tilapia is one of the most ancient and popular fish that is used for food on almost all continents. It is famous for its simplicity in breeding, it is valued for its tender dietary meat, in which there is an extraordinary amount of easily digestible protein and practically no bones.
Some features of tilapia fish
Tilapia is extremely easy to breed as it does not require any special temperature or water quality. In addition, this fish eats almost anything, which is still the subject of jokes among fishermen. The same feature sometimes negatively affects its quality - tilapia sometimes consumes waste contaminated with antibiotics, which can then enter the human body.
This bottom fish is a source of various trace elements, easily digestible protein and vitamins. It contains calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus, and a lot of potassium. There are vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12, E, PP and K.
Tilapia also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. True, their incorrect ratio, according to some scientists, does not benefit the body, but can, on the contrary, even harm it. Other researchers argue that you can eat this fish without fear for your health, since the fats in tilapia are present in minimal amounts.
How to cook tilapia
Tilapia fish can be eaten in any form except fresh. Since it has a slightly bland taste, tilapia goes well with various spices, absorbing their flavor and aroma. Before cooking, it is advisable to marinate it for a while in salt, black or white pepper, lemon juice or soy sauce. You can also use fragrant thyme or rosemary to give it a special piquancy.
Tilapia tastes best in a pan or grill. Then it acquires a fried crust, which, in combination with the delicate pulp, seems even tastier. Before frying in a pan, it should be rolled in flour or bread crumbs. You can also make a batter from flour and eggs. To make the tilapia really tasty on the grill, it is better to marinate it in spices, olive oil and lemon juice.
A truly dietary dish can be obtained by baking fillets of this fish in foil without oil. In this form, tilapia can be safely eaten by those who follow their figure or follow a therapeutic diet due to problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Tilapia is also often added to fish soups. True, most often as an additional ingredient to more fatty fish, otherwise tilapia will not give the broth the flavor, aroma and richness it needs. Tilapia can be put in soup along with salmon fish - then the dish will turn out to be more interesting and satisfying.
This fish is best served with tender mashed potatoes or boiled rice. However, you can also boil healthy asparagus with white sauce as a side dish, or grill vegetables.
