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Home » Recipe Index » Fish and Seafood » Pinaputok na Tilapia

Pinaputok na Tilapia

Published: Aug 27, 2019 · Modified: Aug 27, 2019 by Lalaine Manalo · This post may contain affiliate links

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Pinaputok na tilapia is the ultimate seafood dish! Stuffed with tomatoes and onions and baked to perfection, this Filipino-style baked fish is easy to make, tasty, and budget-friendly. Delicious with steamed rice!

Pinaputok na Tilapia on a serving platter with a plate of green salad on the side
Pinaputok na Tilapia

Looking for foolproof ways to cook fish? This pinaputok na tilapia is so easy to prep yet delivers tons of flavor. The fish is plump and tasty with juicy roasted tomatoes and onions for another layer of yum.

It's a meal you'll feel good serving the whole family! Not only is it delicious, but is also healthy and nutritious.

a bowl of chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger and a plate of raw tilapia fish on the side

What is Pinaputok na Tilapia

Pinaputok, which means  "to explode", is a Filipino-style dish wherein a whole tilapia is stuffed generously with a mixture of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger until almost "bursting." The fish is brushed with melted butter, wrapped in foil to adequately secure, and then oven-baked until moist and flavorful.

It's usually served with steamed rice and choice of sawsawan such as calamansi and soy sauce, spicy vinegar or ensalada.

tilapia stuffed with tomatoes and onions and wrapped in foil

Tips on How to Make Filipino-style Stuffed Fish

  • Not a fan of tilapia? Milkfish (bangus) or golden pompano will work well in this recipe, too!
  • I season the fish with tamarind powder (sinigang mix) but you can substitute calamansi, lemon or lime. Another delicious option is marinating the fish in alcohol such as gin or rum with a few dashes of salt and pepper.
  • I use tomatoes, onions, garlic and ginger flavored with tamarind powder as stuffing but feel free to add other herbs and spices such as cilantro, green onions, and chili peppers if you want a bit of heat.
  • Double wrap the fish to prevent juices from leaking out.
  • For added aroma, wrap the tilapia in banana leaves instead of aluminum foil.
  • I like the convenience of baking this in the oven but you can also pan-fry, steam or grill over hot coals if you prefer.

Filipino-style oven-baked tilapia stuffed with tomatoes and onions on a white serving platter

Give this fish recipe a try for dinner tonight. You'll be amazed how such a simple dish can be so satisfying and delicious.

Want more easy fish recipes? This Baked Salmon with Tamarind Mayo Topping uses one special trick that makes it super moist and flavorful.

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4.34 from 3 votes

Pinaputok na Tilapia

Pinaputok na tilapia is the ultimate seafood dish! Stuffed with tomatoes and onions and baked to perfection, this Filipino-style baked fish is easy to make, tasty, and budget-friendly. Delicious with steamed rice!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Main Entree
Cuisine: Filipino
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 317kcal
Author: Lalaine Manalo

Ingredients

  • 2 whole tilapia, scaled and gutted
  • 3 tablespoons tamarind base powder
  • 2 large Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 thumb-size ginger, peeled and minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Dipping Sauce

  • Calamansi juice to taste
  • soy sauce to taste

Instructions

  • Wash tilapia well, rinsing cavity well. Pat dry. Make a two or three slits across the body of the fish on both sides.
  • Rub both fish all over, including the cavity, with 2 tablespoons of the tamarind base powder. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of tamarind powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to distribute.
  • Stuff each fish's cavity with tomato-onion mixture.
  • Liberally brush the outside of both fish with butter and Individually wrap in aluminum foil, Double wrap to prevent juices from leaking.
  • Place fish packets on a baking sheet. Bake in a 375 F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until fish is cooked through. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 128mg | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 874mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 433IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see what you made!mention @Kawalingpinoy and hashtag your photo with #kawalingpinoy

 

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Lalaine from Kawaling Pinoy

Hello! My name is Lalaine and welcome to Kawaling Pinoy where you’ll find Filipino and Asian-inspired recipes, cooking tips, and how-to videos. Read more...

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Comments

  1. kristine says

    August 24, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    so yummy! with pompano fish and used tamarind sinigang mix bought at seafood city. baked it for 30 minutes. thank you for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      August 27, 2019 at 2:19 am

      Yes! I can just imagine how delicious golden pompano would be in this recipe. Yummy!

      Reply
  2. Stef Agdigos Profugo says

    September 09, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    Instead of baking, can I steam cook?

    Reply
    • Lalaine Manalo says

      August 27, 2019 at 2:21 am

      Yes, you can 🙂 I find baking it more convenient but fish can be pan-fried, steamed or grilled on hot coals.

      Reply
  3. Ruby says

    September 12, 2016 at 9:05 am

    Hi, I made this last night but with mackerel because that's what I had in my freezer. It was a great and simple recipe! Loved using tamarind powder on it.

    Also the other night, I made your tamarind wings. It was amazing!!! I think tamarind powder is my new secret go-to spice.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      September 13, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Hi Ruby

      Yes, tamarind powder is a quick way to add a boost of flavor especially in fish. Thank you for the feedback, I am glad to be a part of your kitchen adventures 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome to Kawaling Pinoy where you'll find hundreds of delicious Filipino and Asian recipes. Make sure to browse around and pick a favorite dish or two. Happy cooking! Read More…

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