Crispy Almond-Crusted Tilapia with Sweet Balsamic Caramelized Onions
Delight your taste buds with this exquisite Crispy Almond-Crusted Tilapia, perfectly complemented by sweet and tangy caramelized onions. This dish combines the nutty crunch of toasted almonds, the zestiness of fresh lemon, and the rich flavors of balsamic vinegar, resulting in a mouthwatering experience that is both elegant and simple to prepare. Each individual foil packet ensures easy cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free cooking process. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves four and will impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and incredible flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
4 medium (thinly sliced)
extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (plus additional for drizzling)
honey
4 tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons
salt
1 pinch
tilapia fillets
4-6 ounces each
toasted almonds
1/2 cup (ground)
lemon zest
2 tablespoons
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (divided)
lemon pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
fresh lemon juice
4 teaspoons
basil or parsley
4 tablespoons (chopped for garnish (optional))
Reynolds Wrap Foil
4 pieces
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2
2. Cut four pieces of Reynolds Wrap Foil, each measuring approximately 7 inches. Lightly coat the bottom of each piece with 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions, balsamic vinegar, honey, the remaining olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the onions are evenly coated.
4
4. In a separate medium bowl, mix the ground almonds with lemon zest and an additional pinch of salt until well combined.
5
5. Distribute the onion mixture evenly onto each prepared piece of foil, forming a bed for the tilapia.
6
6. Create sealed packets by folding the foil over the onions and crimping the edges securely. Place the packets on a large baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7
7. After baking, carefully open the foil packets to release the steam, and broil for an additional 4 minutes to caramelize the onions further.
8
8. While the onions are caramelizing, season each tilapia fillet generously on both sides with salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
9
9. Place one seasoned tilapia fillet on top of the caramelized onions in each packet. Generously sprinkle the fillet with the almond mixture, and drizzle a little olive oil on top.
10
10. Close the packets securely once more, and return them to the oven, this time baking at 425°F (220°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, until the tilapia is cooked through and flaky.
11
11. For the final touches, open the packets carefully and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the almond crust is golden brown.
12
12. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, additional lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is tilapia fillets, specifically 4 to 6 ounces each.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
What are the primary ingredients for the almond crust?
The crust is made from ground toasted almonds, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the onions?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) for the initial baking of the onions.
How long do the onions bake before the fish is added?
The onions bake for 20 minutes in sealed foil packets, followed by a 4-minute broil.
What ingredients are used to caramelize the onions?
The onions are mixed with balsamic vinegar, honey, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
How do you prevent the food from sticking to the foil?
Lightly coat the bottom of each piece of foil with 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What size should the foil pieces be?
Each of the four pieces of Reynolds Wrap Foil should measure approximately 7 inches.
What seasonings are applied directly to the tilapia fillets?
The fillets are seasoned with salt, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
At what temperature is the tilapia baked?
The tilapia is baked at 425°F (220°C).
How long does the fish take to cook in the foil?
The fish takes approximately 18 to 20 minutes to become cooked through and flaky.
How do you achieve a golden brown almond crust?
After the final baking, open the packets and broil the fish for 1 to 2 minutes.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Suggested garnishes include chopped basil or parsley, extra lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Can I use raw almonds for the crust?
The recipe specifies ground toasted almonds for the best nutty flavor and texture.
How much honey is required?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of honey.
What type of vinegar is used for the onions?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a sweet and tangy flavor to the caramelized onions.
Is this recipe considered easy to clean up?
Yes, using individual foil packets ensures a very easy cleanup process.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 4 medium onions, thinly sliced.
Is the garlic powder used on the onions or the fish?
The garlic powder is used specifically to season the tilapia fillets.
How much lemon juice is added at the end?
The recipe suggests 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice for the final finish.
What is the texture of the finished tilapia?
The tilapia should be cooked through and flaky with a crispy almond crust.
How many tablespoons of olive oil are used in total for the base?
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used, plus additional for drizzling.
Should the foil packets be sealed tight?
Yes, you should crimp the edges of the foil securely to create sealed packets.
Is there a specific brand of foil mentioned?
The recipe mentions using Reynolds Wrap Foil.
What is the purpose of the bed of onions?
The onions serve as a flavorful base that caramelizes and infuses the fish with sweetness.
How much lemon pepper is needed?
1 teaspoon of lemon pepper is used, divided among the fillets.
Can I use dried herbs for garnish?
While fresh basil or parsley is recommended, dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable.
How much lemon zest is used in the almond mixture?
2 tablespoons of lemon zest are mixed with the ground almonds.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No refined sugar is used; the sweetness comes from honey and balsamic vinegar.
Is this dish suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, the elegant presentation and sophisticated flavor profile make it ideal for special occasions.