Bakers can use the zest of a lemon in place of lemon juice.
Fresh water tilapia fish is low in saturated fats and calories and is also commonly found to have low mercury levels. The fish has a mild taste, which makes the flavors blend nicely with sauces and spices. Tilapia baked with a lemon butter sauce is an easy dish to prepare and can be served alongside a wide variety of side dishes, from wild rice and sweat peas to mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and clean the tilapia fillets by running them under water. Pat the fillets with a clean cloth.
2. Place saucepan on the stove, set the heat to medium and place the butter in the pan. Heat the butter until it melts and then add the chopped garlic and shallot. Continue heating while stirring occasionally for five to seven minutes to soften the ingredients but do not let the garlic or shallots brown. Remove the saucepan from the burner and stir in black pepper, salt and lemon juice.
3. Cover the bottom of a medium-size baking dish with a sheet of foil, brush the foil with butter and place the tilapia fillets in the dish.
4. Brush the lemon butter and herb mixture onto the tilapia to completely coat the fillets. Spoon any remaining mixture into the dish. You can add an additional 1 or 2 tbsp. of butter to the baking dish for a creamier sauce.
5. Combine the Parmesan cheese and coarse breadcrumbs in a small bowl and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the fillets as well.
6. Place the baking dish in the stove and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the fish flakes when gently plied with a fork. For a crispier tilapia cuisine, set the oven to broil and return the baking dish for approximately three minutes.
Tags: baking dish, tilapia fillets, lemon butter, lemon juice