Are you craving a mouthwatering seafood recipe that's both incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this sensational Lemon Garlic Tomato Tilapia! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked tilapia fillets infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and juicy cherry tomatoes - a culinary masterpiece that's as simple as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the tilapia cooks evenly and quickly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to coat the tomatoes with the oil and garlic.
- Place the tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Evenly distribute the tomato and garlic mixture over the tilapia fillets, ensuring that each fillet is well-covered. This will infuse the fish with flavor as it cooks.
- Optionally, you can add a few lemon slices on top of the fillets for extra flavor and a nice presentation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tilapia rest for a minute before serving. This allows the juices to settle.
- Serve the lemon garlic tomato tilapia warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select the freshest tilapia fillets and ripe cherry tomatoes for the most vibrant flavors.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F for even cooking and that perfect golden finish.
- Don't Overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly. Watch carefully and remove when it flakes easily with a fork to maintain its delicate texture.
- Maximize Flavor: Let the tomato and garlic mixture sit for a few minutes before adding to the fish to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a beautiful final touch and extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a light side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal. Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of fresh herbs before baking to customize this already amazing dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
