Cajun-Inspired Creamy Tilapia Foil Packets
Indulge in a culinary journey with these Cajun-inspired creamy tilapia foil packets, where tender tilapia filets meet a luscious garlic and white wine sauce, accentuated with vibrant red bell peppers, fresh zucchini, and sweet corn. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, each packet is an explosion of flavor, elevating dinner time into a delightful experience. The simplicity of Reynolds Wrap Foil ensures easy preparation and effortless clean-up, making this dish ideal for both quick weeknight meals and leisurely gatherings. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans and memorable dining experiences at Peohe’s in San Diego, this dish marries the heart of Cajun cuisine with the ease of modern cooking. Pair it with crusty French bread and a glass of white wine for a truly gourmet meal that will impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillets
4 (fresh or thawed from frozen)
sweet corn
1 cup (fresh, kernels cut off the cob)
red bell peppers
2 (julienned)
zucchini
2 (sliced into thin rounds)
shallots
1 cup (chopped)
fresh garlic cloves
5 (minced)
fresh cilantro
1 bunch (for garnish)
heavy cream
1 cup (none)
white wine
1/4 cup (not dry)
sweet unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
white pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground paprika
1/4 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
French bread
1 loaf (for serving)
Reynolds Wrap Foil
as needed (for wrapping)
Instructions
1
If using frozen tilapia filets, thaw them in the refrigerator until completely defrosted.
2
In a small bowl, mix the sea salt, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, ground paprika, and garlic powder to create a seasoning blend.
3
Coat each tilapia filet with the seasoning on both sides, wrap them tightly in Reynolds Wrap, and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the dish.
4
Slice the corn off the cob, julienne the red bell peppers, and slice the zucchini into thin rounds. Finely chop the shallots and mince the garlic cloves.
5
In a large saucepan, melt the sweet unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Pour in the white wine and stir well. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes.
7
Add the heavy cream and sweet corn to the saucepan, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
8
Tear off four large sheets of Reynolds Wrap foil. Remove the seasoned tilapia filets from the refrigerator.
9
Place one filet on each sheet of foil and top with sliced zucchini and bell peppers. Form a boat shape with the foil to hold in the sauce.
10
Generously smother the tilapia and vegetables with the creamy corn sauce, reserving any excess sauce for serving.
11
Wrap the foil tightly around the fish, leaving some space for steam to circulate. For a decorative touch, fold the foil packets into swan shapes if desired.
12
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
13
Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven. Let the packets rest for a few minutes before opening.
14
To serve, place the unopened foil packets on plates. Garnish the plates with any remaining bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh cilantro.
15
Open the foil packets at the table for a dramatic presentation. Serve with warm French bread and a chilled glass of white wine. Bon Appétit!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Cajun-Inspired Creamy Tilapia Foil Packets?
The main protein is tilapia fillets, which can be fresh or thawed from frozen.
What type of foil is recommended for this recipe?
Reynolds Wrap Foil is recommended for easy preparation and effortless clean-up.
How many tilapia fillets are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 tilapia fillets.
What vegetables are included in the foil packets?
The foil packets include sweet corn, red bell peppers, and zucchini.
What spices are used in the Cajun seasoning blend?
The blend includes sea salt, cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, white pepper, ground paprika, and garlic powder.
How should the tilapia fillets be prepared initially?
Coat each filet with the seasoning blend on both sides, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate until needed.
How do you prepare the sweet corn?
Slice the kernels off the cob to get approximately 1 cup of corn.
What is the recommended way to cut the red bell peppers?
The red bell peppers should be julienned into long, thin strips.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced into thin rounds.
What are the aromatics used for the sauce?
The sauce uses chopped shallots and five minced fresh garlic cloves.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from sweet unsalted butter, white wine, heavy cream, and sweet corn.
How long should the garlic and shallots be sautéed?
They should be sautéed for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
What type of white wine should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of white wine that is not dry.
How long does the cream sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 10 minutes before being removed from the heat.
What shape should the foil be formed into before adding the sauce?
Form a boat shape with the foil to hold in the creamy corn sauce.
Is there a decorative way to fold the foil packets?
Yes, for a decorative touch, you can fold the foil packets into swan shapes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
How long do the tilapia packets bake in the oven?
The packets bake for 15 minutes.
Should the packets be opened immediately after baking?
No, let the packets rest for a few minutes before opening them.
What is recommended for garnishing the plates?
Garnish with any remaining bell peppers, zucchini, and fresh cilantro.
What side dishes are recommended for serving?
Serve the tilapia with warm French bread and a chilled glass of white wine.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted sweet unsalted butter.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients listed for this dish.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, but ensure they are completely defrosted in the refrigerator before use.
What inspired the creation of this dish?
It was inspired by New Orleans culinary traditions and dining experiences at Peohe’s in San Diego.
How much of each spice is used for the seasoning blend?
Use 1/4 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper, cayenne, white pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
When should the foil packets be opened?
Open them at the table to provide a dramatic and aromatic presentation.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires 2 red bell peppers.
What is the purpose of leaving space for steam in the foil?
Leaving space for steam to circulate helps cook the fish and vegetables evenly.
How much shallot is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped shallots.