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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 lemons (1 for slicing, 1 for juice) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking easier and more fun. You'll need fresh tilapia fillets. This fish is mild and flaky, making it perfect for baking. Asparagus adds a bright crunch and is packed with nutrients. Olive oil brings richness and helps the herbs stick to the fish. Lemons add a zesty brightness. You’ll squeeze one for juice and slice the other for topping. Minced garlic gives a punch of flavor. Dried oregano and thyme enhance the dish with earthy notes. Lastly, salt and pepper balance everything out. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top gives a lovely pop of color. You can find all these ingredients easily at your local grocery store. For the full recipe, check out the provided link. 1. Preheat your oven Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the fish cook evenly. 2. Arrange asparagus on the baking sheet Take a large baking sheet and spread the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Toss them around to coat well. 3. Prepare the herb mixture In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk it together until you combine all the flavors. 1. Position tilapia on the baking sheet Next, place the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet among the asparagus. Make sure they have space to cook properly. 2. Drizzle the herb mixture over the fish Generously drizzle the herb mixture over each fillet. This will add flavor and keep the fish moist. 3. Add lemon slices before baking Slice the remaining lemon into thin rounds. Place a few slices on top of each tilapia fillet. The lemon will brighten the dish. 1. Bake duration and temperature Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You want the fish to become flaky and the asparagus to be tender. 2. Checking for doneness To check if the tilapia is done, use a fork. If it flakes easily, it is ready. The asparagus should also be bright green and tender. This simple recipe, which you can follow in the Full Recipe, provides a tasty and healthy dish that showcases the lovely balance of lemon and herbs. For the best flakiness, bake tilapia for 15 to 20 minutes. Check it with a fork. The fish is done when it flakes easily. To make tender asparagus, don't overcook it. Bake it alongside the tilapia. It will cook just right in the same time. When serving, use a large platter. Layer the tilapia over the asparagus. This makes the dish look inviting. Add lemon slices and parsley on top for color. For side dishes, consider a light salad or some rice. Both go well with the fish and veggies. You can swap herbs for a new twist. Try basil or dill instead of oregano and thyme. Each herb brings its own flavor. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick to the dish. You can also use a bit of paprika for warmth. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking adventure! {{image_2}} You can switch the tilapia for other fish, like salmon or cod. Salmon adds a rich flavor. Cod is milder and flaky. Both work well with lemon and herbs. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or portobello mushrooms. They absorb flavors nicely and are satisfying. Asparagus pairs well with many veggies. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies add color and nutrients. Adjust cooking time to ensure even cooking. For softer veggies, you might bake for less time. For heartier options, add a few extra minutes. You can play with the flavors in this dish. For a sweet twist, add honey or maple syrup to the herb mix. This balance of sweet and savory adds depth. You can also use different citrus fruits. Try lime or orange for a new taste. Each fruit changes the dish's character. To keep your Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the fish and asparagus in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Enjoy your meal within three days for the best taste. If using a shallow dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This method is easy and effective for keeping your food fresh. You can freeze Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia if you want to save it for later. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the tilapia to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the sealed bag in cold water. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal again! How long do you bake tilapia? You should bake tilapia for 15 to 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork. This ensures it cooks through without drying out. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets? Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just thaw them first. You can place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them moist. Calorie count and macronutrient breakdown A serving of Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia has about 200 calories. It contains 25 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbs. This dish is light and packed with nutrients. Health benefits of tilapia and asparagus Tilapia is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also provides fiber, which helps with digestion. Together, they make a healthy meal. What to serve with Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia? You can serve this dish with rice or a fresh salad. Quinoa also pairs well. These sides add texture and keep the meal light. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the tilapia and asparagus a day before. Just keep them in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the baking steps from the Full Recipe. This blog post covered a simple and tasty way to make Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations and storage methods, ensuring you have all the details to succeed. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. Try this dish for a healthy meal. You’ll impress your family and friends with this easy recipe. Enjoy every bite!

23. Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia with Asparagus

Discover the perfect family dinner with this Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia with Asparagus recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that showcases tender tilapia fillets and fresh asparagus, all infused with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Ideal for busy weeknights, this meal is not only quick but also deliciously healthy.
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons (1 for slicing, 1 for juice)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    On a large baking sheet, arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

        Place the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet among the asparagus. Drizzle the herb mixture generously over the fish.

          Slice the remaining lemon into thin rounds and place a few slices on top of each tilapia fillet.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender.

              Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve on a large platter, with the tilapia layered over the asparagus. Add additional lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh and vibrant appearance.