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Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia

Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia
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Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with fresh lemon juice, black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil, broiled to a golden crisp in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a light weeknight dinner, it offers a bright citrus flavor balanced with a tender, flaky texture and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed, about the same size)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Extra lemon wedges for squeezing

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
  • Chopped fresh thyme or rosemary (for herbed crust)
  • Small pats of butter (for a richer finish)
  • Almond flour for dusting (for gluten-free crispy coating)
  • Mix of lemon juice with orange or lime juice (for citrus twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the seasonings stick and promote better browning.
  2. Season the fillets: Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Lightly brush each fillet with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper over them. Then, squeeze freshly squeezed lemon juice on top to infuse vibrant citrus flavor.
  3. Broil the fish: Position your oven rack about 4-6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and cook the tilapia for 6 to 8 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the edges turn golden brown. Do not flip the fillets to maintain the crispy crust.
  4. Garnish and serve: Remove the fish from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use uniform fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.
  • Do not overcook; cook until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily but remains moist.
  • Thicker fillets may require 1-2 minutes longer, thinner ones less to avoid dryness.
  • Ensure the broiler is fully preheated to create a crisp crust quickly.
  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: broiled tilapia, lemon pepper fish, healthy fish recipe, quick tilapia recipe, gluten free fish, lemon pepper tilapia

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/broiled-lemon-pepper-tilapia/