Baked Tilapia with Tomato and Basil

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Rest Time 5

Total Time 40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

3 tilapia fillets (about ½–¾ inch thick, 6–8 ounces each)
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Slap Ya Mama seasoning, to taste (about ½–1 teaspoon per fillet; we love it in this house)
1½–2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 lemon, sliced (about 9 slices)
2-3 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped, reserve some whole leaves for garnish
Cooked yellow rice or turmeric rice, for serving

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and then lightly brush the bottom of your casserole dish with olive oil.
Place the tilapia fillets in the dish in a single layer.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon evenly over the fish. Season them with Slap Ya Mama, or your favorite fish seasoning. We typically use about ½–1 teaspoon per fillet.
Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the edges of the casserole dish and then place three lemon slices on top of each fillet.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake the fish for 20–25 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh basil over the fish and tomatoes. Serve it right away with rice, spooning some of those tomatoes and pan juices over the top.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions

Fresh Tilapia Fillets: Tilapia is a mild, flaky white fish that works as the perfect canvas for all the flavors in this dish. Its subtle taste lets the lemon, basil, and tomatoes take center stage without competing for attention. If you'd rather have a fish with a firmer texture or a deeper flavor, cod, haddock, or snapper are great alternatives because they stand up well to baking.

Olive Oil: If you're after a slightly richer flavor, swap in melted butter or use avocado oil.

Lemon Juice and Lemon Slices: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of this dish; if you are in a pinch, store-bought lemon or lime juice will work.

Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: This seasoning blend brings a little heat, garlic, and Cajun warmth to this dish. It is our favorite but you don't have to use this particular seasoning. You can absolutely swap it for Italian seasoning or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning are also our go-to fish seasonings.

Cherry Tomatoes: You can totally use grape tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes.

Fresh Basil: Dried basil can work in a pinch, but add it earlier so it rehydrates and releases flavor; fresh parsley or dill are nice swaps that also add freshness to this dish.