Imagine a restaurant-quality seafood dish that's so easy to make, you'll feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen. This Baked Tilapia with Dill Sauce is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms a simple fish into a creamy, herbaceous masterpiece. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare – but our little secret is how incredibly simple it actually is!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the tilapia cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing for better seasoning and cooking.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until well blended. This will be your dill sauce.
- Spread the dill sauce evenly over the top of each tilapia fillet, ensuring that they are well coated. This will infuse the fish with flavor as it bakes.
- Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the tilapia for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- While the tilapia is baking, you can prepare a side dish if desired, such as steamed vegetables or rice, to complement the meal.
- Once the tilapia is done baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a minute before serving, allowing the flavors to settle.
- Serve the baked tilapia hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Always pat your tilapia fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crisp exterior.
- Use fresh dill if possible – it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don't overcook the fish! Tilapia is done when it flakes easily and looks opaque, which typically takes 15-20 minutes.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to your dill sauce.
- If you want a golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the most tender and flavorful fish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
