Zesty Cilantro-Cajun Tilapia
This Zesty Cilantro-Cajun Tilapia is a delightful fusion of flavors, blending the freshness of cilantro with the robust spices of Cajun seasoning. I developed this dish in my home kitchen while searching for a flavorful yet low-calorie dinner option. The tender and flaky tilapia fillets are perfectly seasoned, creating a quick and easy meal that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it alone or elevate it with a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra zing! Ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
4
Servings
130
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (used for coating the baking dish)
tilapia fillets
4 (4 ounce each) (fresh, skinless)
garlic salt
2 tablespoons (season to taste)
cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons (season to taste)
black pepper
to taste (freshly cracked)
cilantro
1 bunch (use whole sprigs for garnishing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Evenly coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with the olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the fresh tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
4
Evenly sprinkle the garlic salt and Cajun seasoning over each fillet, adjusting the amounts according to your spice preference.
5
Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste for an additional flavor dimension.
6
Place several sprigs of cilantro on top of each tilapia fillet, allowing the herb's aroma to infuse during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Serve the tilapia hot, garnished with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro-Cajun Tilapia?
It is a flavorful seafood dish that blends the freshness of cilantro with the robust spices of Cajun seasoning on tender tilapia fillets.
How many calories are in one serving of this tilapia?
Each serving contains approximately 130 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients for Zesty Cilantro-Cajun Tilapia?
The ingredients include olive oil, 4 tilapia fillets, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and a bunch of cilantro.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to bake the tilapia?
The tilapia typically takes between 8 to 12 minutes to bake.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered low-calorie?
Yes, it is tagged as a low-calorie and healthy dinner option with only 130 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 14g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This recipe is very low in carbs, containing only 1.5g per serving.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amounts of garlic salt and Cajun seasoning according to your personal spice preference.
How should I prepare the cilantro for this recipe?
Place several whole sprigs of cilantro on top of each fillet before baking to infuse the aroma, and use more for garnish.
Should the tilapia be fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for fresh, skinless tilapia fillets for the best results.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should evenly coat the bottom of the dish with 3 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
The dish is best served garnished with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How should I arrange the fillets in the dish?
Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
What kind of black pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly cracked black pepper is recommended for an additional dimension of flavor.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Tilapia and Seafood recipes.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is a quick and easy meal that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
Based on the nutritional information, there is no sugar in this recipe.
Can I use this recipe to impress guests?
Absolutely! The fusion of flavors and the fresh cilantro garnish make it an impressive yet simple dish for guests.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The nutritional data indicates that there is no significant fiber content in this recipe.
What type of seasoning provides the 'Cajun' flavor?
The robust flavor comes from using 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is the tilapia skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies using skinless tilapia fillets.
Can I add more salt?
The recipe uses garlic salt to season to taste, so you can adjust based on your preference.
What is the weight of each tilapia fillet?
The recipe calls for fillets that are approximately 4 ounces each.
Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
With only 1.5g of carbohydrates and 14g of protein, it is generally suitable for a low-carb or keto lifestyle.