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Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/creamy-lemon-garlic-herb-tilapia-recipe/