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- 4 tilapia fillets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) - 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes) Gather these ingredients for a simple yet tasty dish. The tilapia brings a mild flavor that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. I love how the butter adds richness to each bite. The garlic infuses the fish with a nice kick. For the veggies, I often use bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. They add color and crunch. Feel free to swap in your favorites. Using fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish makes the dish pop. It not only looks good but also adds extra zest. This dish is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal with minimal fuss. Each packet seals in flavor and moisture. Plus, clean-up is a breeze! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Cut aluminum foil into 12x12 inches pieces. - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - This garlic butter sauce gives the fish a fresh and zesty flavor. - Place one tilapia fillet in the center of each foil piece. - Drizzle each fillet with the garlic butter mixture. - Make sure the fish is well coated to enhance the taste. - Add mixed vegetables around the fish. - Pour any remaining garlic butter over the vegetables. - Fold the foil over the fish and vegetables tightly. - Seal the edges to create tightly closed packets. - Place the foil packets on a baking sheet. - Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is flaky and the vegetables are tender. - Be careful when opening the packets; hot steam will escape. - Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving. - Ensure foil packets are sealed well to prevent leaks. - Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of tilapia fillets. Sealing the packets tightly is key for juicy fish and veggies. If you leave gaps, the juices can leak out. This can leave your meal dry and less flavorful. I always double-check the seals before baking. If your fillets are thicker, they need more time. Thinner fillets may cook quicker. To check for doneness, use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. This tells you that it is ready to enjoy. - Serve directly on plates for a fun presentation. - Add extra lemon juice for brightness. Plating the packets straight from the oven is exciting. Guests will love watching you unveil the food. Plus, it keeps the meal warm and fresh. For an extra zing, a splash of lemon juice adds great flavor. It brightens up the dish and makes the flavors pop. - Experiment with different herbs like dill or cilantro. - Use different types of fish for variety. Herbs can change the whole dish. Dill gives a fresh taste, while cilantro adds a zest. Don't be afraid to mix and match! You can swap tilapia for salmon or shrimp. Each fish has its own flavor and texture, giving you new meals to enjoy. {{image_2}} You can swap the mixed vegetables for other types. Try asparagus or broccoli for a fresh taste. Seasonal vegetables work wonders too. Fresh produce adds vibrant colors and flavors. Consider using carrots or snap peas for crunch. Each vegetable offers unique textures and tastes. Want to kick up the flavor? Add red pepper flakes for some heat. This spice gives the dish a nice kick. You can also mix in white wine for a richer sauce. The wine enhances the garlic and lemon notes. It creates a more complex flavor that excites the palate. Feel free to experiment with proteins. Salmon or shrimp make great alternatives to tilapia. Both provide a different taste and texture. If you want a heartier meal, use chicken breast. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Each protein brings its own flair to this tasty foil packet dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste. Let the foil packets cool before freezing. Place them in freezer-safe containers. You can store them for up to 2 months. Reheat the packets in the oven or microwave. Make sure they are heated through before serving. This keeps the flavors intact and the dish tasty. Expect 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Always check the fish for doneness. The tilapia should flake easily with a fork when it is ready. Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking. Cooking frozen fish can lead to uneven cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for quick thawing. This way, you'll get the best flavor and texture from your tilapia. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a green salad. The light flavors of the fish match perfectly with these sides. Adding a fresh salad brings a nice crunch and color to your meal. Enjoy your plate with a squeeze of lemon for extra zest! This blog post shared a simple, tasty way to cook tilapia in foil packets. We covered main ingredients like tilapia fillets, garlic, and butter. You learned about baking, serving tips, and ways to enhance flavors. Feel free to swap veggies or proteins to keep it fresh. Cooking is about creativity, so try new options. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make this dish your own!

Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Foil Packets

Enjoy a delightful and easy dinner with these Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Foil Packets! Perfectly cooked tilapia fillets are infused with a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with colorful mixed vegetables, making for a quick and healthy meal. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family and friends with this tasty dish. Click through for the full recipe and tips to make your meal even more special!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12x12 inches each). Lay them out flat on a clean surface.

      In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

        Place one tilapia fillet in the center of each foil piece.

          Drizzle each fillet with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring the fish is well coated.

            Divide the mixed vegetables evenly among the packets, adding them around the fish. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the vegetables.

              Fold the foil over the fish and vegetables, sealing the edges to create tightly sealed packets.

                Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.

                  Carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam) and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the foil packets directly on plates; open them at the table for a fun presentation. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.