Broiled Tilapia : This quick and flavorful broiled tilapia made with just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers perfectly tender fish with a golden, caramelized crust in under 15 minutes. Bursting with a zesty blend of spices and a hint of citrus, it’s a light yet satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or a fresh green salad.
What Makes Broiled Tilapia So Special?
Tilapia is a mild, white fish that takes on flavors beautifully, making it a favorite for many home cooks. Broiling is one of the best ways to cook tilapia because it locks in moisture while creating a slightly crisp top layer. Plus, broiling is quick—it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Broiled Tilapia
- Use fresh or properly thawed fish: Fresh tilapia gives the best results, but frozen fillets work too. Just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
- Don’t overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. Overcooking can make the fish dry.
- Elevate with a marinade: Marinate the fish in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15-20 minutes before broiling for an extra flavor boost.
- Try breadcrumbs for texture: Sprinkle a light layer of seasoned breadcrumbs over the fillets before broiling to add a crispy crust.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Broiled Tilapia: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Top the fish with a blend of fresh chopped herbs like basil, dill, and thyme mixed with a bit of Parmesan cheese.
- Citrus-Glazed Tilapia: Brush the fillets with a mixture of orange juice, honey, and soy sauce before broiling.
- Garlic Parmesan Tilapia: Combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and melted butter for a decadent topping.
How to Serve Broiled Tilapia
Pair broiled tilapia with sides that complement its light, flaky texture. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
- Grains: Fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy potato wedges.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw.
How to Store and Reheat Broiled Tilapia
If you have leftovers, follow these storage tips to maintain freshness:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked fish in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia for broiling?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
How can I tell if tilapia is fully cooked?
A: The fish should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque white color throughout.
What is the best way to thaw frozen tilapia?
A: Place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method: submerge the fish in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for 30 minutes.
Can I broil tilapia without oil or butter?
A: While oil or butter adds flavor and helps the seasoning adhere, you can skip it for a lower-calorie option. Just use a non-stick cooking spray on the pan to prevent sticking.
Can I broil other types of fish using this method?
A: Absolutely! This technique works well with cod, haddock, or even salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Broiled Tilapia
Broiled Tilapia : This quick and flavorful broiled tilapia made with just a handful of pantry staples, this dish delivers perfectly tender fish with a golden, caramelized crust in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 fresh tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to broil and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Grate about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and slice the remaining lemon into wedges for a fresh garnish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel (this helps them cook evenly) and place them on the lined baking sheet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mayo mixture generously over the top of each fillet.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 355Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 105mgSodium 312mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 45g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Broiled tilapia is the perfect combination of simplicity, speed, and flavor. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to incorporate more fish into your diet, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy enough for beginners. With endless seasoning options and pairing possibilities, broiled tilapia is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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