Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Baked Tilapia in Asian Orange Sauce! Imagine tender, flaky fish infused with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Asia. This restaurant-quality dish is not just a meal – it's a quick, easy, and impressive recipe that will make you look like a gourmet chef in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the tilapia will cook evenly and develop a nice texture.
- Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the fish to bake properly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and minced ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. This mixture will serve as the flavorful sauce for the tilapia.
- Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the flavor of the fish before adding the sauce.
- Pour the orange sauce mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring that each fillet is well coated. This will infuse the fish with delicious flavors as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in and allows the fish to cook evenly without drying out.
- Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This will allow the fish to cook through while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps to slightly caramelize the sauce and gives the fish a nice finish.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Serve the baked tilapia hot, drizzled with the remaining sauce from the baking dish. It pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crisp and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh orange juice for the most vibrant flavor – bottled juice works, but fresh is always best.
- Don't overcook the fish! Tilapia is delicate and can become tough if baked too long. Watch it carefully in the last few minutes.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
- If you want a slightly caramelized finish, broil the fish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Choose fresh, high-quality tilapia fillets for the best taste and texture.
- Let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
