Mediterranean Roasted Tilapia with Tomato-Pesto Infusion
Elevate your dining experience with this succulent Mediterranean Roasted Tilapia. This impressive yet incredibly easy dish is perfect for a romantic date night or a lively dinner party. The tilapia, with its mild flavor, serves as a perfect canvas for the vibrant combination of cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich pesto. As the dish roasts, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating an aromatic experience that tantalizes the senses. Pair it with a fluffy rice or a crusty artisan bread to soak up every last drop of the sumptuous sauce. Adding a fresh green salad and a chilled bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling creates a gourmet meal without the fuss. Whether you're a fish lover or a hesitant eater, this dish is sure to impress and delight your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes
1/2 pint (whole)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Pesto sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Lemon
1 (juiced, halves reserved for baking)
Tilapia fillets
8 ounces (4 oz fillets)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Lemon wedges
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, gently combine the cherry or grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes start to blister and release their juices.
3
While the tomatoes are roasting, juice the lemon and mix a small amount of the juice with the pesto. Adjust by adding more lemon juice if necessary to maintain a workable consistency—aim for a spreadable pesto that isn't runny.
4
Season the tilapia fillets gently with salt and pepper. Spread the pesto-lemon mixture generously over the top of each fillet.
5
After the tomatoes have roasted for 10 minutes, remove them from the oven. Cut the juiced lemon halves into quarters—this will help to keep the fish elevated and prevent it from stewing in liquid. Place two lemon pieces on the baking sheet, and lay a seasoned tilapia fillet on top of each. This setup will facilitate even roasting until the fish is cooked through.
6
Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the tilapia is flaky and no longer appears opaque.
7
Once cooked, plate the fish along with the roasted tomatoes and garlic from the baking sheet. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of citrus.
8
Enjoy your Mediterranean culinary creation with a side of rice or crusty bread to maximize flavor absorption!
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 8 ounces divided into two 4 oz portions.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do the cherry tomatoes need to roast initially?
The cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil should be roasted for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes start to blister.
How long does the tilapia take to cook in the oven?
The tilapia takes an additional 10-12 minutes to roast after being added to the baking sheet.
What is the total cooking time for this dish?
The total roasting time is approximately 20-22 minutes.
Why are the juiced lemon halves placed under the tilapia?
The lemon halves help keep the fish elevated, preventing it from stewing in liquid and facilitating even roasting.
What ingredients are in the pesto-lemon mixture?
The mixture consists of 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce combined with fresh lemon juice.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended for this dish.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What should the consistency of the pesto spread be?
The pesto should be a workable, spreadable consistency that is not runny.
How do I know when the tilapia is finished cooking?
The tilapia is done when it is flaky and no longer appears opaque.
What side dishes go well with Mediterranean Roasted Tilapia?
It pairs well with fluffy rice, crusty artisan bread, or a fresh green salad.
What wine is suggested for pairing with this meal?
A chilled bottle of Chateau Ste Michelle Dry Riesling is suggested for a gourmet experience.
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure the tilapia fillets are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy seafood dish featuring lean protein, heart-healthy olive oil, and fresh vegetables.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Should I season the fish before or after adding the pesto?
The fish should be seasoned with salt and pepper first, then the pesto-lemon mixture is spread over the top.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as an impressive yet incredibly easy one-dish meal.
Can I substitute the tilapia with another type of fish?
Yes, any mild white fish with a similar thickness would work well as a substitute.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Given the 8 ounces of fish (two 4 oz fillets), it typically serves 2 people.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic should be peeled and minced before being roasted with the tomatoes.
Should the tomatoes be cut before roasting?
No, the tomatoes should be kept whole so they can blister and release their juices naturally.
Can I add extra citrus flavor at the end?
Yes, serving the dish with extra lemon wedges on the side is recommended for an extra pop of citrus.
What category of cuisine does this dish fall under?
This dish falls under Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the purpose of the salt and pepper in this recipe?
They are used to season both the tomato-garlic mixture and the tilapia fillets to enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for a romantic date night or a lively dinner party.
Can I use different types of pesto?
While traditional basil pesto is standard, you could experiment with sun-dried tomato or kale pesto for different flavors.
Is the dish very spicy?
No, the dish is aromatic and flavorful but lacks heat unless you choose to add chili flakes.
Do I need to use a specific type of baking sheet?
Any standard baking sheet will work as long as it is large enough to hold the tomatoes and fillets.
What makes this dish an 'infusion'?
The fish is infused with the bright flavors of lemon and pesto while cooking alongside aromatic roasted tomatoes and garlic.