Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia is a delicious and comforting seafood dish packed with bright flavors and a rich, velvety sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect served over fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

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, sliced thin (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

1. Step 1: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 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. Remove the fish and set aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: Using the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and dill until well combined with the garlic.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add the coconut cream or milk, vegetable or seafood stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine (if using). Stir well and let the mixture bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted into the sauce.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then slowly whisk it into the sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in the chopped kale and thin lemon slices. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
8. Step 8: Reduce the heat to low and return the tilapia to the skillet. Coat the fish well with the sauce and let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked basmati rice. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
• For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of full-fat coconut milk just before serving.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor, adjusting quantities to taste.

Storage

Store leftover tilapia and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling or drying out. Adding a splash of stock or water while reheating can help maintain sauce consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tilapia instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh tilapia works well. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as fresh fish may cook more quickly than frozen.

Is it okay to omit the white cooking wine?

Absolutely. You can simply replace the wine with an equal amount of vegetable or seafood stock without compromising the flavor.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

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5 from 88 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia recipe features perfectly seared tilapia fillets simmered in a luscious, dairy-free coconut cream sauce infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon. Served over fluffy basmati rice and complemented by tender kale and a hint of garlic parmesan, this dish balances bright citrus flavors with rich, savory undertones for a delightful, comforting meal.

• Author: mia
• 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 1x2x3x

Fish and Rice

• 1 (9 oz.) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia
• 2 cups cooked Basmati rice

Sauce and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut cream or coconut 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 (for thickening)
• 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

1. Sear and Defrost Tilapia: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the frozen garlic & herb tilapia fillets. Sear each side for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown and fully defrosted. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in all the dried herbs and seasonings—sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and dill—combining thoroughly with the garlic and oil.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, then gradually pour in the coconut cream or milk, organic stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine (or additional stock). Stir continuously and allow the mixture to gently bubble for 1-2 minutes.
5. Melt Parmesan and Thicken Sauce: Add the freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese to the sauce, whisking until fully melted and incorporated. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in water and slowly add this slurry to the skillet, whisking continuously. Allow the sauce to thicken over 1-2 minutes.
6. Add Kale and Lemon Slices: Incorporate the chopped kale and thin lemon slices into the sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to soften the kale and infuse the flavors.
7. Simmer Tilapia in Sauce: Lower heat to low, return the seared tilapia fillets to the skillet, and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the fish is fully coated and heated through.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve the creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia hot alongside cooked basmati rice. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Notes

• For a non-alcoholic option, omit the white cooking wine and replace with additional vegetable or seafood stock.
• Use full-fat coconut cream for a richer, creamier sauce. Coconut milk can be used as a lighter alternative but may be less thick.
• Ensure the tilapia is fully cooked and flakes easily before serving to guarantee safety and optimal texture.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried ones for a more vibrant flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
• For added texture, lightly toast the lemon slices before adding them to the sauce.

Keywords: Tilapia recipe, Creamy fish dish, Lemon garlic tilapia, Dairy-free sauce, Coconut cream fish, Healthy seafood, Gluten free dinner, Herb crusted fish