Description
This Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia fillets seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious, dairy-free coconut cream sauce infused with garlic, fresh lemon, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Paired with fluffy basmati rice and nutritious kale, this dish offers a vibrant, flavorful, and heart-healthy meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Protein
- 1 (9 oz) package Sea Cuisine Garlic & Herb Tilapia
Grains
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
Oils and Fats
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Produce and Herbs
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
- ½ lemon, sliced thin (seeds removed)
- 1 cup organic kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dill
Liquids
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut cream or coconut milk
- ½ cup vegetable or seafood stock (organic)
- 2 tablespoons mild flavorful cooking liquid (such as reserved cooking juices or broth)
Thickening Agent
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated dairy-free parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat and Sear Tilapia: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen tilapia fillets directly to the skillet. Sear for 5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Set Tilapia Aside: Remove the seared tilapia from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, dill, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are well combined with the garlic and oil.
- Create the Coconut Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly pour in the coconut cream or milk, vegetable or seafood stock, mild flavorful cooking liquid, and freshly squeezed lemon juice while stirring continuously. Let the mixture gently bubble for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate Dairy-Free Parmesan: Whisk in the grated dairy-free parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, giving it a creamy texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the sauce while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Greens and Lemon Slices: Stir in the chopped kale and thin lemon slices. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to wilt the kale and infuse lemon flavor.
- Simmer Tilapia in Sauce: Reduce heat to low and return the tilapia fillets to the skillet. Coat them well with the creamy sauce and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the creamy lemon garlic herb tilapia immediately over cooked basmati rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the tilapia is cooked thoroughly by checking that it flakes easily with a fork.
- Use full-fat coconut cream for the creamiest sauce; coconut milk will yield a lighter texture.
- Adjust the lemon and garlic amounts according to your taste preference for acidity and pungency.
- For added texture, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
- If dairy-free parmesan is unavailable, you can substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
