Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Tilapia in Foil recipe! If you're craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare, you've hit the jackpot. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked tilapia infused with zesty jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and a bright lime kick – all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet that makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who wants a nutritious meal without hours of preparation, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the tilapia cooks evenly and quickly.
- Prepare two sheets of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap around a tilapia fillet with some extra space for the ingredients.
- Place one tilapia fillet in the center of each sheet of foil. Make sure the fillets are thawed and patted dry with paper towels for optimal seasoning and cooking.
- Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet, ensuring they are lightly coated. This will help keep the fish moist during cooking.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over each fillet to taste. Seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Evenly distribute the sliced jalapeño over the fillets, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top of the jalapeños. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the fish.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lime over each fillet, ensuring that the juice is evenly distributed. The acidity will brighten the dish.
- Fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the fish, then fold the ends to create a sealed packet. This will trap steam and keep the fish moist while cooking.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the packets sit for a minute before opening, as the steam inside can be hot.
- Open the foil packets and serve the tilapia directly in the foil or transfer to plates. You can garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Tips
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your spice tolerance – remove seeds for less heat or add more for extra kick.
- Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for maximum flavor impact; bottled or dried alternatives won't deliver the same brightness.
- Check fish doneness by ensuring it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork – overcooking can make tilapia tough.
- For a complete meal, serve with quick sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
- If you're sensitive to spice, substitute jalapeño with bell peppers for a milder version.
- Consider using parchment paper as an alternative to aluminum foil for a more eco-friendly cooking method.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
