Description
A quick and creamy weeknight dinner featuring seared tilapia fillets in a rich, spicy pepper sauce with onions and garlic. This easy recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and is perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- Heavy cream
- Pepper sauce (spicy vinegar-based hot sauce)
- Unsalted butter
- Onion (white or yellow, diced)
- Garlic (fresh minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and foaming, add the fillets.
- Sear the tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter if the pan is dry, then add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in heavy cream and pepper sauce. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the tilapia fillets to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fish. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if using and serve immediately with rice or crusty bread.
Notes
Do not overcook the fish as it becomes dry and tough. If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of water or broth. For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk. Ensure frozen tilapia is completely thawed and patted dry before searing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: tilapia, creamy fish, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, pepper sauce, seafood, gluten-free, quick meals