Peanut sauce lends flavor to Thai tilapia dish

Thai peanut sauce and coconut milk add an intriguing flavor to tilapia. For this recipe they are simmered together creating a flavorful sauce to gently coat the fish.

Peanut sauce is the base for many Thai dishes and is made from roasted peanuts, soy sauce and spices. There are several types in the supermarket. I choose a thick one when it is available.

Coconut milk is made by mixing shredded coconut with boiling water, letting it steep and then straining it. Fortunately, both peanut sauce and coconut milk are available readymade and make Thaistyle cooking a breeze.

Basmati rice has a nutty-like flavor and really does smell a little like popcorn when cooking. It’s now available in a microwaveable package, which helps to make this a 10-minute dinner.

Helpful hints

Use long-grain white rice if basmati is not available.

Whole-leaf frozen spinach may be used. Defrost and drain before using.

Any type of fish fillet can be used. Cook it about 8 minutes per inch of thickness.

Shopping list

To buy: 1 bottle peanut sauce, 1 can light coconut milk, ¾ pound tilapia fillet, 1 package washed, readyto-eat spinach, 1 package microwaveable basmati rice and 1 package shredded carrots.

Staples: Canola oil, salt and black peppercorns. Tribune Content Agency