Monday, January 16, 2012

Lemon Butter Tilapia

There are three qualities that make a great weeknight meal. Quick, cheap, and easy.
There have been so many nights lately that the thought of cooking exhausts me more than anything. (Yes, me, who LOVES my kitchen and has a passion for cooknig!) I am sure I am not the only one that sometimes needs a break.

Some days, being emotionally drained at work is enough to just want to call it a day, but on top of that I have been forcing myself to make the time for the gym AND make a home cooked dinner. Sometimes... it's just to much! That's where these little recipes can be lifesavers. Although this recipe is quick and easy, the flavor profile is wonderful and fills the house with that great garlic aroma. I have actually ordered something similiar to this in a restaurant and paid waaaay to much. ($15.99 for one fillet and a "serving" of vegetables that consisted of a carrot or two in my opinion is just too much!!) This same meal, made at home, turned out to be less that $10.00 for two. Now how can you beat that?

Give it a shot and let me know what you think. Tilapia is always my "go to" quick meal because I never get sick of white fish and it's still somewhat healthy, even with a little butter! You could always half this recipe to make just two fillets of fish, but I find that it reheats extremely well the following day for lunch so I prefer to always make four fillets and enjoy the leftovers.


Lemon Butter Tilapia
Serves: Four (4)

Ingredients:
4 Tilapia Fillets
3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice 
2 Tablespoons Butter, Melted 
2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Chopped 
1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley Flakes
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Emeril's Original Essence (to taste; recipe follows)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels.

Place fillets in baking dish.

In a small pan, slowly melt butter over medium heat. Add lemon juice, parsley, and garlic. Simmer until fragrant. (About 3 minutes). Pour over fish. Generously season with Salt, Pepper, and Emeril's Original Essence seasoning.

Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and serve over rice, vegetables, or by itself.

Emeril's Original Essence
Makes: About 6 oz.

Ingredients
2 1/2 Tablespoons Paprika
2 Tablespoons Salt
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
1 Table Spoon Cayenne Pepper
1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme

Directions:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in air tight container.

Happy Cooking!
-The Little Bitchin Kitchen

Source: The fish recipe is something I came up with myself. I chose to use Emeril's Original Essence seasoning because I personally love the flavors and do not have any affiliation with him and/or Food Network. His recipe above was copied identically from: Food Network

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