Step 1

Rinse the tilapia fillets with water and drain well.

Step 2

Pat them using paper tissues and set them aside.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, sake, mirin, cornstarch, sesame oil, and water until combined. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat cooking oil in a large flat pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, arrange the tilapia fillets on the pan in a single layer and fry until lightly browned and crisp from both sides.

Step 6

Note – Fry in batches if the pan is small.

Step 7

Remove the pan-seared fillets on a plate and set aside.

Step 8

Add minced garlic to the same pan and saute until lightly fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 9

Pour in the sauce and cook until it thickens into a shiny glaze (about 1-2 minutes), stirring very frequently.

Step 10

Pour the sauce over the tilapia fillets.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped spring onion greens (scallions) slices and serve hot!