Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia is a delightful, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. The tender tilapia fillets are seared and simmered in a luscious coconut cream sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon kick. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying, comforting experience.

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 (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. Step 1: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, place the frozen tilapia fillets and sear for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes until both sides are golden and the fish is defrosted. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, 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 and oil.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the coconut cream, vegetable or seafood stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white wine (or extra stock). Stir to combine and let the sauce bubble gently for 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts into the sauce.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the sauce while whisking continuously. Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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 with the sauce and allow everything to simmer together for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and serve the creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia over cooked basmati rice. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk rather than the cream.
• If you prefer a milder herb taste, reduce the dried herbs to half the amount.
• Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your stock and cooking wine are gluten-free certified.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the coconut cream from separating. Avoid microwaving directly, or heat in short bursts and stir frequently to 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 perfectly. Adjust the searing time accordingly—about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness—to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it is dairy-free as it uses dairy-free parmesan cheese and coconut milk. Just make sure your parmesan substitute fits your dietary needs.

Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia Recipe

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5 from 83 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia fillets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious, dairy-free creamy sauce infused with garlic, fresh lemon, and a flavorful blend of herbs. Paired with basmati rice and nutrient-rich kale, this wholesome dish is both comforting and vibrant, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 1 (9 oz.) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia (2 fillets)

Rice

• 2 cups cooked Basmati rice

Sauce

• 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
• 1 cup freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese
• 1 cup organic kale, chopped
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)

Seasonings & Herbs

• 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. Seer and Defrost the Tilapia: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Place the frozen tilapia fillets directly in the skillet and sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the fillets are fully defrosted and cooked through. Remove 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, stirring frequently.
3. Add Seasonings and Herbs: Add the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and dill to the skillet. Stir well to combine the seasonings and infuse the oil and garlic mixture.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the coconut cream, vegetable or seafood stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice from one lemon, and white cooking wine if using. Stir continuously until well combined. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Incorporate Dairy-Free Parmesan and Thicken Sauce: Gradually add the freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese, whisking until fully melted and integrated. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth, then slowly whisk this slurry into the sauce. Continue whisking for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Add Kale and Lemon Slices: Stir in the chopped kale and thin lemon slices, mixing gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the kale softens and the flavors meld.
7. Simmer Tilapia in Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Return the seared tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them to coat thoroughly. Allow everything to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes so the fish absorbs the flavors and stays warm.
8. Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia immediately alongside the cooked basmati rice to enjoy a harmonious and satisfying meal.
9. Bon Appetit! Enjoy your delicious, creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia!

Notes

• For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free parmesan or omit altogether.
• If white cooking wine is not available or preferred, substitute with an equal amount of vegetable or seafood stock.
• Adjust the number of garlic cloves based on your preference for garlic intensity.
• Make sure to defrost and sear the tilapia thoroughly to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor.
• This recipe pairs perfectly with basmati rice but can also be served with quinoa or steamed vegetables for variation.
• Use full-fat coconut cream for a richer, creamier sauce; coconut milk can be substituted for a lighter sauce but may be less thick.
• For thicker sauce, you can increase cornstarch slightly, but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.

Keywords: Tilapia, Lemon Garlic Tilapia, Creamy Fish Recipe, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Dinner, Easy Seafood Recipe, Quick Weeknight Meal