Pinaputok na Tilapia

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
• Calamansi juice to taste
• soy sauce to taste

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. 2

   Rinse tilapia well, rinsing cavity well. Pat dry. Make two or three slits across the body of the fish on both sides.

3. 3

   Rub both fish all over, including the cavity, with 2 tablespoons of the tamarind base powder. Let stand for about 10 minutes.

4. 4

   In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of tamarind powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to distribute.

5. 5

   Stuff each fish's cavity with tomato-onion mixture.

6. 6

   Liberally brush the outside of both fish with butter and Individually wrap in aluminum foil, Double wrap to prevent juices from leaking.

7. 7

   Place fish packets on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until fish is cooked through.

8. 8

   Serve hot with dipping sauce.

9. 9

   Combine calamansi juice and soy sauce to taste.