Savory Grilled Tilapia and Veggie Foil Packets
Dive into a culinary delight with these Savory Grilled Tilapia and Veggie Foil Packets. This vibrant dish features succulent tilapia fillets resting on a bed of tender yellow potatoes, fresh zucchini, and earthy cremini mushrooms. Cooked to perfection in aluminum foil packets, each serving is infused with aromatic pesto sauce and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Not only do these packets lock in moisture, but they also allow for easy clean-up after your meal. Feel free to customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables, turning each packet into a unique and delicious creation! Perfect for family gatherings, outdoor barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner that your taste buds will thank you for.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aluminum foil
4 (Cut into 8x14 inch pieces)
Pure olive oil
1 tablespoon (For brushing foil)
Petite potatoes
8 (Yellow, thinly sliced)
Zucchini
1 (Sliced)
Cremini mushrooms
8 (Sliced)
Tilapia fillets
4 (About 4 oz each)
Pesto sauce
1/2 cup (For topping fish)
Grated parmesan cheese
4 (Teaspoons, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Cut four pieces of aluminum foil, each measuring 8x14 inches, and set aside.
2
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat.
3
Lightly brush the center of each foil piece with pure olive oil to prevent sticking.
4
Fold each piece of foil in half lengthwise to create a crease, then open it up to form a base.
5
Layer the sliced petite potatoes evenly on one side of the foil, followed by the sliced zucchini and cremini mushrooms.
6
Carefully place one tilapia fillet on top of the vegetable layers of each packet.
7
Generously spoon pesto sauce over each piece of tilapia, ensuring to cover the fish well.
8
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pesto-covered fillets.
9
Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a pocket, ensuring the edges are crimped tightly to prevent any steam from escaping.
10
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill, ensuring the lid is closed during cooking.
11
Grill for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tilapia is firm and opaque, and the vegetables are tender.
12
Once done, carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is tilapia fillets, specifically four fillets weighing approximately 4 oz each.
What vegetables are included in the foil packets?
The packets include thinly sliced yellow petite potatoes, sliced zucchini, and sliced cremini mushrooms.
How long should I grill the tilapia foil packets?
You should grill the packets for 10 to 15 minutes over medium heat until the fish is firm and opaque.
What size should the aluminum foil pieces be cut to?
Each of the four pieces of aluminum foil should measure 8x14 inches.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The barbecue grill should be preheated to medium heat.
How do I prevent the food from sticking to the foil?
Lightly brush the center of each foil piece with pure olive oil before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking.
What sauce is used to flavor the tilapia?
A half cup of pesto sauce is used to generously cover the tilapia fillets.
Is there any cheese added to this recipe?
Yes, grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the pesto-covered tilapia fillets.
How should the vegetables be layered in the packet?
Layer the sliced petite potatoes first, followed by the zucchini and cremini mushrooms, before placing the fish on top.
Why is it important to crimp the edges of the foil?
Crimping the edges tightly ensures that steam does not escape, which helps cook the food evenly and keeps it moist.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the packets with your favorite seasonal vegetables to create unique variations.
Should the grill lid be open or closed while cooking?
The grill lid should remain closed during the 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time.
How can I tell when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The tilapia is done when it becomes firm to the touch and opaque in appearance.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after carefully opening the cooked foil packets.
What are the benefits of cooking in foil packets?
Foil packets lock in moisture for succulent results and allow for very easy clean-up after the meal.
What type of potatoes are recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for yellow petite potatoes that have been thinly sliced.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes four individual foil packets, typically serving four people.
What kind of olive oil is used?
The recipe specifies using pure olive oil for brushing the foil.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically designed for grilling and is perfect for outdoor cooking and family gatherings.
How do I fold the foil to start the packet?
Fold the foil in half lengthwise to create a crease, then open it back up to use as a base for layering.
What safety precaution should be taken when opening the packets?
Be very careful when opening the packets as hot steam will escape which can cause burns.
How many cremini mushrooms are used per packet?
The recipe uses 8 sliced cremini mushrooms in total, which is approximately 2 per packet.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features lean protein and various fresh vegetables.
Can this be prepared as a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, the prep and 10-15 minute cook time make it ideal for a fast weeknight meal.
How much pesto is applied to each fillet?
With 1/2 cup total for 4 fillets, you should use approximately 2 tablespoons of pesto per tilapia fillet.
What kind of mushroom is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends cremini mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
What is the weight of each tilapia portion?
Each tilapia fillet should be approximately 4 ounces.
Are the potatoes peeled before slicing?
The recipe does not specify peeling; usually, petite yellow potatoes are sliced with the skin on for texture and nutrition.
Does the recipe require a specific type of parmesan?
The recipe calls for grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling over the fish.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this Savory Grilled Tilapia and Veggie Foil Packets recipe.