Introduction

Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender fish with a rich, herb-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe balances bright lemon, savory garlic, and fresh herbs for a satisfying experience.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 (9 oz.) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia
2 cups cooked Basmati rice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut cream or milk
1/2 cup vegetable or seafood stock, organic
2 tablespoons white cooking wine (optional, can substitute with additional stock)
1 lemon, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
1 cup freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese
1 cup organic kale, chopped
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dill

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, place the frozen tilapia pieces and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes until defrosted and golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in all the herbs and seasonings (sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, dill) until well combined.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the coconut cream or milk, stock, lemon juice, and white wine (if using). Stir gently and let the mixture bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the grated dairy-free parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted into the sauce.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in the chopped kale and lemon slices, letting the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and return the tilapia to the skillet, spooning the sauce over to coat the fish. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from heat and serve immediately alongside the cooked Basmati rice. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

For a creamier sauce, use full-fat coconut cream instead of milk.
Substitute fresh kale with spinach or swiss chard for a different greens option.
If you prefer a non-dairy cheese alternative, nutritional yeast can be used in place of parmesan.
To add a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

Storage

Store leftover tilapia and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish, or warm in the microwave in short intervals. It’s best to reheat with a splash of vegetable stock to maintain sauce creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tilapia instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tilapia can be used; simply adjust the searing time to about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your stock and any added wine are labeled gluten-free if needed.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia is a flavorful and comforting seafood dish featuring seared frozen tilapia fillets simmered in a rich coconut cream and herb sauce. Enhanced with garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a medley of dried herbs, the dish pairs perfectly with cooked basmati rice for a satisfying, dairy-free, and gluten-free meal.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 (9 oz.) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia

Rice

2 cups cooked Basmati rice

Sauce

2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
4–6 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut cream/milk
1/2 cup vegetable or seafood stock, organic
2 Tbsps white cooking wine, optional (or substitute with additional stock)
1 lemon, freshly-squeezed
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsps water
1 cup freshly-grated dairy-free parmesan cheese
1 cup organic kale, chopped
1/2 lemon, sliced thin (seeds removed)

Seasonings & Herbs

1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dill

Instructions

Sear and Defrost the Tilapia: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen tilapia fillets directly to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes until golden and fully defrosted. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and dill until evenly combined with the garlic and oil.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the full-fat coconut cream/milk, organic vegetable or seafood stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and optional white cooking wine (or additional stock if not using wine). Stir gently to combine. Allow the mixture to bubble lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Incorporate Dairy-Free Parmesan: Add the freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese to the sauce. Whisk continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly add this slurry to the sauce while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add Greens and Lemon Slices: Stir in the chopped organic kale and thinly sliced lemon (with seeds removed). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to soften the kale and infuse the flavors.
Simmer Tilapia in the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Return the seared tilapia fillets to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the fish to coat thoroughly. Allow everything to simmer together gently for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors and heat through completely.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia immediately with cooked basmati rice on the side. Enjoy this flavorful, dairy-free seafood entree!
Bon Appetit!

Notes

Using frozen tilapia eliminates the need for prior thawing; the searing step both defrosts and sears the fish.
White cooking wine is optional; you can substitute with additional vegetable or seafood stock.
For a vegan version, ensure the dairy-free parmesan cheese is plant-based.
Adjust herb quantities to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
Make sure to whisk in the cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid clumps in the sauce.
Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s creamy texture and fresh lemon flavor.

Keywords: Tilapia, Lemon Garlic, Creamy Sauce, Coconut Cream, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Seafood, Healthy Dinner, Quick Fish Recipe