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Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia

Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia
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Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a quick, easy, and flavorful healthy dinner option featuring mild tilapia fillets seasoned with fresh lemon juice, zest, black pepper, and garlic powder, then cooked under the broiler for a tender, flaky finish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and uses simple pantry staples to deliver bright, fresh flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed frozen, about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter as a variation)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (or substitute with dill or basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish: Pat your tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning stick and ensures better broiling.
  2. Season Thoroughly: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets carefully.
  3. Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches below the heating element to ensure even and quick cooking.
  4. Broil the Tilapia: Place the seasoned fillets on a lined broiler pan or baking sheet. Slide into the oven and broil for 6-8 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Add Garnish and Serve: Once broiled, sprinkle fresh parsley or your chosen fresh herbs over the fillets for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon zest for more intense and aromatic citrus flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow for even cooking and crisp edges.
  • Watch the fish closely during broiling to avoid overcooking as it cooks quickly.
  • Dry the fillets thoroughly before seasoning to help the seasoning stick and create a better crust.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your preferred level of heat and flavor balance.
  • For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer finish if desired.
  • Alternative fish options include cod, haddock, or snapper.
  • Combine lemon zest with lime or orange zest for a more complex citrus flavor profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: broiled tilapia, lemon pepper fish, quick healthy dinner, easy fish recipe, gluten free fish recipe, weeknight dinner, lemon zest seafood

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/broiled-lemon-pepper-tilapia/