Tilapia is a versatile and mild-flavored fish that is perfect for various cooking methods. Today, we bring you Hudson’s Baked Tilapia With Dill Sauce, a delightful dish that combines the crispiness of baked tilapia with a creamy and tangy dill sauce. This recipe is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some tips and variations for this delectable recipe.
Ingredients
For the Tilapia:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, sliced
For the Dill Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Tilapia
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot enough to bake the fish to perfection.
- Season the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps in achieving a crispy texture. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and rub it in evenly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides of the fillets.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. Arrange lemon slices around and on top of the fish for added flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Tilapia: Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Making the Dill Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor.
- Chill the Sauce: Refrigerate the dill sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving
- Plate the Tilapia: Once the tilapia is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain its juices and enhances the flavor.
- Drizzle the Dill Sauce: Serve the tilapia fillets on a plate and generously drizzle the chilled dill sauce over the top. You can also serve additional sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Pan-Fried Variation: For a different texture, you can pan-fry the tilapia instead of baking it. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Creamy Sauce for Tilapia: If you prefer a richer sauce, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the dill sauce mixture.
- Quick, Easy Sauce for Tilapia: For an even quicker sauce, you can mix 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of dried dill and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Crispy Baked Tilapia: For an extra crispy coating, dip the seasoned tilapia fillets in beaten egg and then coat with panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Fresh Dill Fish Recipes: Fresh dill is key to this recipe, but if you can’t find it, substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried dill.
- Baked Tilapia Recipes: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper to give the tilapia a unique twist.
- Dill Butter Fish: For a buttery variation, melt 1/4 cup of butter and mix it with 2 tablespoons of fresh dill. Drizzle this over the baked tilapia before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
Hudson’s Baked Tilapia With Dill Sauce is a delightful recipe that combines the simplicity of baked tilapia with the refreshing taste of a creamy dill sauce. It’s perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your experience with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.