Main Course · Dinner · Filipino ·

Sinanglay na Tilapia with Coconut Shallot Sauce

A traditional Filipino dish where tilapia is wrapped in banana leaves and simmered in a rich coconut shallot sauce.

4.4(77 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Sinanglay na Tilapia with Coconut Shallot Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
23 min
Cook
1 h 10 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Tilapia

  1. 1

    Rinse & Dry

    Rinse the tilapia and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Rest

    Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Filling

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a bowl, mix coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, tomato, and chilies together.

  2. 2

    Stuff the Fish

    Stuff each tilapia generously with the mixture.

  3. 3

    Wrap & Tie

    Wrap each stuffed tilapia in banana leaves and secure with kitchen twine.

    Tip: Ensure the banana leaves are securely tied to prevent the filling from leaking. Pro Tip: Allow the fish to rest for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

How to Make Sinanglay na Tilapia with Coconut Shallot Sauce

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Steaming the Fish

    Place the wrapped fish in a steamer and cook for 25-30 minutes over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Preparing the Sauce

    In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, shallots, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer on low for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

  3. 3

    Combining

    Once fish is steamed, gently unwrap and serve with the coconut shallot sauce drizzled atop.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

    Can I make this dish ahead?

    Yes, you can prepare the fish up to the wrapping stage and keep it refrigerated overnight.

    What can I use if I can't find banana leaves?

    Substitute with aluminum foil or parchment paper for wrapping the fish.

    Can I substitute coconut milk with something else?

    For a non-coconut version, you can use cream with a dash of water to achieve a similar consistency.

    How do I reheat the dish?

    Gently steam the wrapped fish or microwave it in short bursts to maintain moisture.

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