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Creamy Lemon Garlic Herb Tilapia

A light yet indulgent dish featuring tender tilapia fillets in a rich, silken sauce made with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets tilapia fillets Fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
  • 1 cup kale, chopped Can be substituted with spinach
  • 1 whole lemon (juice and zest) For tanginess and freshness
  • 1 2/3 cup heavy cream Can be replaced with half-and-half or coconut cream
  • to taste salt and pepper For seasoning
  • as needed Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish For presentation

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute; avoid browning.
  3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and flaky.
  4. Remove the cooked tilapia and set aside on a clean plate.
  5. In the same skillet, add chopped kale and sauté until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice and zest; stir to combine and let bubble for 2 minutes to thicken.
  7. Return tilapia to the skillet, gently coating with the sauce.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and extra lemon slices if desired.

Notes

To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For freezing, wrap tightly and label for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.