Need dinner on the table quick? Grab a few tilapia fillets and you’re on your way. What’s that you say? They’re still in the freezer? No worries. Thaw them lickity split in cool water. It’ll only add five or ten minutes to your total meal prep time. This is why we LOVE tilapia.
#1 – Bake It
Season your fish while the oven preheats and by the time it’s hot, you’re ready to slide your meal into the oven. Tilapia only takes about ten minutes to bake at 350 degrees. If you’re in a real time crunch, stick it under the broiler for about two minutes, then flip and hit the other side for another two or three minutes. (Just don’t get distracted or you’ll be eating tilapia jerky for dinner.)
Cheesy Broiled Tilapia is a great recipe for the oven.
#2 – Grill It
Grilling not only gets dinner on the table in record time, it also keeps the kitchen clean. You can go all out with custom spice rubs and sauces, or you can shortcut it with a little premixed cajun seasoning or some store bought salsa. Check out the summer grilling tips we rounded up last month for some great ideas.
#3 – Fry It
Frying gets a bad name, but as long as you pour the oil in moderation, there’s really nothing too unhealthy about a good old fashioned fish fry. Try Classic Cornmeal Crusted Tilapiaon your next Fryday Fishday!
#4 – Saute It
If I had to pick a favorite way to prepare my tilapia, this might be it. Flavor-wise, I think sauteing gives you the biggest bang for your calories. And tilapia cooks so quickly that the time it takes to get the ingredients together still doesn’t put these recipes over the twenty minute mark. Try Tilapia Piccata and let me know if you agree.
#5 – Microwave It
Oh wait, I take it back – microwaving is my favorite way to prepare tilapia – at least when I’m in a hurry. This is my go-to lunch method. Just me, my micro, and a few choice ingredients. My super easy lunch recipe: one tilapia fillet, top with a little soy sauce, and some powdered ginger and garlic salt. A minute in the microwave yields a tasty, high protein lunch.
There you have it – 5 ways to get a healthy dinner (or lunch!) on the table in twenty minutes (or less!).