Tilapia is a very mild-flavored white fish with a slightly firm, yet flaky, texture. Due to the mild flavor, adding too many additional ingredients will overpower the delicate fish and cause the dish to be inedible. Keeping the ingredients simple and fresh will highlight the natural flavors. Tilapia is also a naturally healthy cut of fish that is low in fat and calories. Preparing the fish in a healthy way will keep the nutrients in tact while providing you with a flavorful meal.
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Zest the outer peel of one lemon using a zester or grater. Only use the yellow part of the peel, the white part will taste bitter. Reserve 1/2 teaspoon zest for garnish. Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife.
Step 2
Roll the zested lemon on the tabletop applying slight pressure to release the juices inside. Cut the lemon in half and juice the lemon into a bowl by squeezing each half. Remove any seeds that have fallen into the bowl. Add the garlic and lemon zest to the lemon juice and stir to combine.
Step 3
Break off four large pieces of aluminum foil and set on flat surface. Place one piece of tilapia fillet into the center of each piece of foil. Evenly distribute the olive oil over the pieces of tilapia and rub with hands to cover. Sprinkle the tilapia pieces generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Distribute the lemon juice mixture evenly over the tilapia pieces. Fold the aluminum foil to make a pouch that completely covers the fish. This can be achieved by taking the two longest sides and bringing them up to each other. Roll them down together until they almost touch the fish. Fold the other two sides in to seal.
Step 5
Place the foil pouches on the baking sheet and put into the oven. Cook for 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has no translucency. Remove from oven and place on serving dish. Sprinkle evenly with the parsley and reserved lemon zest. Slice the other lemon and serve with the tilapia.
Tips and Warnings
- The foil packets can also be cooked on the grill over indirect heat for 20 minutes.
Things You'll Need
- 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves
- Zester or grater
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Knife
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