Zesty Grilled Tilapia

Courtesy of Paula Deen

I saw this while watching the Food Network and Paula Deen always makes me hungry. I try to avoid the "stick of butter" recipes, but this one actually seemed remotely healthy...I figured I had to take advantage. I must say, I was somewhat disappointed in the flavor. Don't get me wrong, we took care of eating all of the fish that was made :) but, I do feel like it could have had some adjustments. I would've added more flavor through additional hot sauce (I used about 1 tb and it was still somewhat washed out) or more seasonings, or even less oil (I didn't even use the additional for brushing). The oranges were also not looking as good as usual, so I feel that the juice and zest wasn't as sweet and juicy as it could have been. Long story short, this is a healthy dish that you should give a try, but I would get a little creative as well - and make sure you get good oranges!

Ingredients

• 6 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets (I got away with 4)
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, to taste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the fish in a large nonmetal dish. Whisk together the 6 tablespoons oil, the orange zest, orange juice, ginger, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, to taste; pour over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare grill. Brush the fish with additional oil. Grill until fish just flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 minutes per side for each inch of thickness.

Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Adapted from AllRecipes.com

Yes, it has been a while. I really have no good excuse other than I've been doing some quick vacations, working and going out to eat way too much after those long days :) When I have cooked, I've resorted to previous recipes on my blog (not a bad thing!). I finally decided I needed to get back into action! This recipe is actually super simple, healthy, and delicious - you should try it! Hopefully you'll be hearing more from me...well, after I get back from San Francisco this long weekend :)

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets
• 1 fresh lemon, juiced
• 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
• pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then brush melted butter on top. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and pepper.
4. Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 15 minutes.

 

Tilapia Piccata

Courtesy of Plated Perfection
Let me start by saying...I <3 capers. As in, I think I have an obsession with them. I try to sneak those babies into everything. This dish welcomes them, which is probably why it's one of my go-to dinners (or lunch in this case)! 

• 2 tilapia fillets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon  olive oil
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon capers (or more if you're me)
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Season tilapia with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish, and dredge tilapia in flour. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia, and cook for 1 minute on each side. Add white wine, lemon juice, chicken broth, capers, and garlic to pan. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until flaky. Top with sauce; sprinkle with parsley.

Sauteed Tilapia with Honey-Scallion Dressing

Courtesy of Cooking Light
Tilapia is one of my favorite fishes to cook -- it's delicious, healthy, fast, and budget friendly! I came across this recipe and decided to give it a go since I had all of the ingredients. Kim was my date tonight and she enjoyed it ... or so she said anyway :) I will definitely be adding this to my list of regulars!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
• 2  tablespoons  chopped green onions
• 1  tablespoon  honey
• 1  tablespoon  low-sodium soy sauce
• 1  teaspoon  bottled ground fresh ginger (such as Spice World)
• 1/4  teaspoon  dark sesame oil
• 1  tablespoon  canola oil
• 4  (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 1/8  teaspoon  black pepper
• Rice, rice noodles or salad greens (I used Uncle Ben's wild rice and had a separate salad on the side)

To prepare dressing, combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. To prepare fish, heat canola or olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish evenly with salt and pepper. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness. Place fish on top of rice, rice noodles or salad. Top fish fillet with dressing.