Zesty Asian Cilantro Tilapia Bake
Dive into the refreshing flavors of Asian cuisine with this Zesty Asian Cilantro Tilapia Bake. Drawing inspiration from my Korean heritage, this dish expertly balances salty, sweet, and aromatic elements to hide the taste of fish, making it an instant hit with kids and adults alike. The light and flaky tilapia fillets are marinated in a delectable blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey, while fresh cilantro and vibrant vegetables add a burst of color and herbal freshness. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience that's perfect for a family dinner or any occasion. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that you're sure to make time and time again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillets
4 (thawed)
sesame oil
6 tablespoons (separate in 2 parts)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (preferably low sodium)
rice wine vinegar
1/4 cup
honey
2 tablespoons
water
2 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (grated)
fresh ginger
1 slice (grated, about the size of 2 garlic cloves)
lemon zest
1 whole lemon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
zucchini
1 (halved vertically and sliced)
onion
1 (halved or sliced long)
scallions
4 (sliced long on an angle)
fresh cilantro
1 bunch (coarsely chopped)
Reynolds Wrap Foil
1 sheet (for baking)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, water, grated garlic, grated ginger, and lemon zest to create the marinade. Set aside 1/4 cup of the marinade for the vegetables.
3
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, onion, and scallions with a handful of chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with the reserved 1/4 cup of marinade, and toss well to coat. Set aside.
4
Prepare a baking dish by laying down a sheet of Reynolds Wrap Foil, creating a base for even cooking and easy cleanup.
5
Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of sesame oil across the foil in the baking dish. Place the thawed tilapia fillets in the dish, overlapping the thinner sides slightly.
6
Pour the remaining marinade over the tilapia, ensuring even coverage.
7
Spread the prepared vegetable mixture evenly over the top of the tilapia.
8
Fold the edges of the foil to cover the fish and vegetables securely, leaving a small air pocket for steaming.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
10
Serve hot on its own or over a bed of rice and enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Asian Cilantro Tilapia Bake?
It is a refreshing Asian-inspired dish that balances salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors, featuring light and flaky tilapia fillets baked with vibrant vegetables.
What cultural inspiration is behind this recipe?
The dish draws inspiration from Korean heritage, particularly in its balance of aromatic and savory elements.
Is this tilapia bake kid-friendly?
Yes, the blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey helps hide the taste of fish, making it a hit with kids.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 thawed tilapia fillets.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, water, grated garlic, grated ginger, and lemon zest.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of soy sauce, preferably low sodium.
How much sesame oil is required in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of sesame oil is used, separated into two parts.
How should the garlic and ginger be prepared?
Both the 2 garlic cloves and the slice of fresh ginger should be grated.
Why should 1/4 cup of marinade be set aside?
This portion is reserved to season and coat the vegetable mixture.
Which vegetables are included in the bake?
The vegetable mixture includes zucchini, onion, and scallions.
How do you prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be halved vertically and then sliced.
What is the best way to slice the scallions?
The 4 scallions should be sliced long on an angle.
How is the fresh cilantro used?
One bunch of coarsely chopped cilantro is tossed with the vegetables for herbal freshness.
Why is Reynolds Wrap Foil recommended for this dish?
It creates a base for even cooking and ensures easy cleanup.
How should the tilapia fillets be arranged in the baking dish?
The fillets should be placed in the dish slightly overlapping at their thinner sides.
What do you do with the remaining sesame oil?
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of sesame oil across the foil in the baking dish before adding the fish.
How should the foil be closed before baking?
Fold the edges to cover the fish and vegetables securely, leaving a small air pocket for steaming.
How long does the fish need to bake?
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do you know when the tilapia is cooked through?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
What is a suggested side dish for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the tilapia and vegetables over a bed of rice.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
The recipe specifies that the tilapia fillets should be thawed before preparation.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar.
How much honey is added to the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey.
How much lemon zest is required?
Use the zest of one whole lemon.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is a one-pan bake using a foil-lined dish for easy preparation and cleanup.
What aromatics are used to season the vegetables?
The vegetables are seasoned with salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and the reserved marinade.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and delicious meal.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe requires 4 scallions.
What is the final step before serving?
Serve the dish hot, either on its own or over rice, and enjoy!