There is something truly satisfying about a perfectly fried whole fish — golden, crispy skin with tender, moist meat inside. Paired with colorful vegetable rice and a refreshing citrus-and-avocado salad, this dish becomes a complete meal full of texture, flavor, and vibrant colors. This recipe recreates the plate exactly as shown: a beautifully fried whole tilapia, vegetable rice molded into a dome, and freshly sliced ​​vegetables and fruits that bring brightness and balance to each bite.

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Ingredients

For the Fried Whole Tilapia

• 1 whole tilapia, cleaned and scaled

• 1 tbsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ginger powder

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 1 lemon (half for seasoning, half for garnish)

• Oil for deep frying

For the Vegetable Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold so it doesn't get mushy)

• ¼ cup peas

• ¼ cup corn

• ¼ cup diced carrots

• 2 tbsp butter or oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Fresh Salad

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 orange, sliced ​​into wedges

• 1 small cucumber, sliced

• 1 tomato, sliced

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup chopped lettuce or mixed greens

• Optional: diced fresh bell peppers for color

Simple Salad Dressing

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of black pepper

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Prepare and Season the Fish

Pat the tilapia completely dry using paper towels — this helps it crisp beautifully. Make 3–4 diagonal cuts on each side of the fish so the seasoning penetrates deeply.

In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, and turmeric. Squeeze half a lemon over the fish, then rub the spice mixture all over it, including inside the cavity and inside the cuts.

Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes . If you have time, refrigerate it for 1 hour for deeper flavor.

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2. Fry the Fish Until Crispy

Heat enough oil in a large pan to submerge at least half the fish. When the oil is hot (around 180°C), carefully slide the tilapia into the pan.

Fry for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on size, until the skin is golden brown and extremely crispy. Avoid flipping too early — let the skin firm up first.

Once cooked, remove and drain on a rack or paper towel.
Place lime or lemon slices on top for a fresh, vibrant touch.

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3. Make the Vegetable Rice

In a pan, heat butter or oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add peas, carrots, and corn; cook for 3–4 minutes.

Add your cooked rice and stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Let the rice fry lightly to build flavor, then press it into a small bowl and flip onto the plate to form a neat dome shape, just like the photo.

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4. Prepare the Fresh Salad

Arrange the avocado slices, cucumber slices, tomato wedges, orange slices, lettuce, and onions beautifully on one side of the plate for colorful presentation.

Mix the dressing ingredients together and drizzle lightly over the vegetables.
This fresh component balances the richness of the fried fish perfectly.

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5. Assemble the Plate

Place the crispy whole fried tilapia on the left side of a large rectangular or round plate. Add lime slices on top.

Position the dome of vegetable rice on the right side.

Fill the center with your fresh salad — avocado, orange slices, tomato, cucumber, and onions — just like the beautiful arrangement in the picture.

Add any extra colors, like red bell pepper cubes, if you want even more vibrance.

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Tasting Notes

When eaten together, you get:

• Crispy, savory fish with a soft interior

• Colorful, buttery vegetable rice that complements the fish

• Bright fresh salad with citrus and avocado to cleanse the palate

It's the perfect harmony of crispy, fresh, tangy, and comforting flavors.

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Final Thought

This plate is more than just a meal — it's an experience. From the crackling skin of the fried tilapia to the lively salad and flavorful rice, every bite brings balance and joy. It's a dish that feels festive, wholesome, and satisfying, whether enjoyed with family or served for a special occasion. Recreating it at home brings out the beauty of simple ingredients transformed with care and color.

Enjoy your meal! 🐟🍽️