Quick and Easy Whole Tilapia
Quick and Easy Whole Tilapia
Ingredients
- 2 whole tilapias, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or dill), for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Tilapia:
- Rinse the tilapia under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Score each side of the fish with three diagonal cuts to allow the seasonings to penetrate and to help it cook evenly.
- Season the Fish:
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Rub the olive oil all over the tilapia, including inside the cavity.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the fish and inside the cavity.
- Stuff the Fish:
- Place a few lemon slices inside the cavity of each tilapia.
- Lay the remaining lemon slices on top of the fish.
- Bake the Tilapia:
- Place the seasoned and stuffed tilapia on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the fish.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the fish from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and additional lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your quick and easy whole tilapia! This dish is flavorful, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.