Tomato Basil Tilapia

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Struggling to find a dinner that satisfies everyone at the table?

Imagine serving a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare.

• The story behind this Tomato Basil Tilapia recipe
• All the ingredients you’ll need
• Step-by-step guide to making the dish
• My personal tips for serving and garnish

Keep reading, and let’s make dinner something to look forward to with a recipe that promises simplicity and satisfaction.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Every recipe has a story, doesn’t it? Mine started with date night. My husband and I decided to go out to one of our favorite seafood restaurants for supper one night. They had a special on the menu, and to be honest, I can’t remember what it was called or exactly what ingredients were in it. The only thing I do remember, is that it was a baked fish topped with tomatoes.

I was a little surprised when my husband ordered it. I really didn’t think it sounded good, and was afraid he would be disappointed. When his meal came, he took a bite and said, “you’ve got to try this!” I did, albeit reluctantly. I was totally shocked. The tomato was a fantastic compliment to the mild fish. I decided then and there that I needed to go home and come up with a recipe using tomatoes and baked fish.

Here’s My Creation.

Wanting to keep things simple and mild so that the tomato flavor would shine through, I opted to use butter, minced garlic, basil, fresh ground pepper, salt and grated or shredded parmesan cheese. I also chose to use small grape or cherry tomatoes as opposed to a larger tomato variety. Grape tomatoes are my favorite, due to their sweet taste and firm texture. Cherry tomatoes are almost as good, so I typically use whichever of the two I can find.

Prep is really simple. Just line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, add the butter and pop it into the oven until the butter has melted. Meanwhile, slice up your tomatoes and put them in a small bowl.

Make quick work of chopping all of those tomatoes using this handy Fullstar 15-in-1 Vegetable Chopper.

Once the butter has melted, remove the pan and coat both sides of the tilapia in the melted butter. Place on the pan and sprinkle with your garlic, basil, salt and fresh ground pepper. Now you want to top each piece with your sliced tomatoes, covering the top of each fillet. I then like to add a bit more basil and finish it off with the Parmesan cheese.

Put your fish back in the oven and bake it for about 20 minutes. Remove the fillets from the pan and put on a pretty serving platter. Serve it immediately.

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• Southern Sweet Tea
• Copycat Orange Julius
• Easy Japanese Salad
• French Onion Soup
• Low Country Boil
• Turkey Mushroom Bake
• Glazed Carrots
• Apple Cheesecake Crumble
• Italian Cream Cake

Ingredients List

Gathering the ingredients for our Tomato Basil Tilapia is like embarking on a tiny culinary adventure. Here’s what you’ll need to set the stage for an unforgettable meal experience:

• 2 lbs. Tilapia fillets
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 cup of grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes – sliced
• Dried minced garlic – Feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you choose. I just feel that it’s easier to evenly distribute the dried minced garlic over each fillet.
• Fresh basil, chopped – In the event that you only have dried basil, it will still be delicious, however for this recipe, fresh basil is preferred.
• Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh ground pepper – I like to use a peppercorn medley. The flavors are elevated and offer more than just traditional black pepper.
• Salt – Be careful not to oversalt, because Parmesan has a naturally salty flavor. Just lightly sprinkle each fillet.

Now, with these treasures on your countertop, you’re all set to transport your kitchen to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean. The basil’s aroma, the tomatoes’ freshness, and the Tilapia’s succulence are about to harmonize in your oven.

Triple the life of your fresh basil and other herbs by storing them in this Prepara Herb Savor Pod.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

Now that your Tomato Basil Tilapia is perfectly baked, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Presentation is key to turning a simple meal into a special one, and I’ve got some tips to make your dish look and taste even better.

A great side to accompany your Tilapia is a light, fresh salad. You can find my recipe for a delicious Copycat Texas Roadhouse Caesar Salad Dressing here. Another great option is my Japanese Salad recipe. Just omit the chicken to make it a perfect accompaniment to your Tomato Basil Tilapia. These sides add a lovely color contrast and a crisp texture that complements the soft, flaky fish.

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted vegetables like my Garlic Dill Potatoes and this delicious Roasted Asparagus make excellent choices. They will round out your meal, adding a comforting warmth that’s especially welcome on cooler evenings.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little fresh basil over the baked Tilapia right before serving. It not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh aroma that’s inviting and irresistible. And if you’re a fan of extra cheesy flavor, feel free to add more grated Parmesan on top!

Never serve “fishy” tasting fish again with this trick.

Here’s a little tip: If you worry that your fillets may taste “fishy,” just soak them overnight in Sprite. The next morning drain your fillets and rinse under cold water. Allow to drain well before baking. The carbonation will remove any unpleasant taste and you won’t be able to tell that they’ve soaked in Sprite. This works well for any “fishy” tasting fillets.

This handy Cuisinart CMT-200 Marinade Basket Set will make it a snap to go from soaking to straining and rinsing your fillets.

Another thing to note: You can use any mild fish in this recipe. I’ve made it with crappie and had great success.

There you go, you’ve just made a stunning Tomato Basil Tilapia that’s bound to become a new favorite in your home. It’s a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with love and a touch of creativity, can create truly delightful dishes. Enjoy!

Tomato Basil Tilapia FAQs

Can I use frozen Tilapia fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen Tilapia fillets for this recipe. It’s important to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Thawing ensures the fish cooks evenly and helps to maintain its delicate texture and flavor.

What are the best tomatoes to use?

For the best flavor and presentation, grape or cherry tomatoes are recommended. Both are sweet and have a firm texture that roasts well alongside the Tilapia, adding a burst of color and flavor that complements the fish perfectly.

Can I substitute dried basil for fresh basil?

While fresh basil is preferred for its vibrant flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried basil in its absence. A good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried basil to fresh basil, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Tomato Basil Tilapia is indeed suitable for meal prep. It can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the dish is properly sealed in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, gently reheat in the oven or microwave.

What are some good sides to serve with the Tilapia?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables or a light salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of tomato and basil for a balanced and satisfying meal.