There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly-prepared meal, but sometimes time is not on our side. For those moments when you need something fast and delicious, frozen tilapia is an excellent choice. It’s easy to prepare and full of nutrients that are essential for a balanced diet. Here’s how to cook the perfect tilapia in just 15 minutes.
How to Cook Frozen Tilapia – 2 Different Methods!
Method 1:
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your frozen filets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle each filet with olive oil, then sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the tilapia filets and cook for 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you want more flavor, try adding some butter to the pan while cooking — it adds a nice richness to the dish.
Step 3:
Serve your finished tilapia with fresh lemon wedges for extra flavor or your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Alternatively, you can flake it up into smaller pieces and use it in tacos or salads as well!
Method 2:
Step 1:
Place your frozen tilapia filets in a large dish and cover them with cold water. Let the filets thaw for 15 minutes, then remove them from the water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the tilapia filets and cook for 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you want more flavor, try adding some butter to the pan while cooking — it adds a nice richness to the dish.
Step 3:
Serve your finished tilapia with fresh lemon wedges for extra flavor or your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Alternatively, you can flake it up into smaller pieces and use it in tacos or salads as well! Enjoy!
FAQS
1. Can you cook tilapia straight from frozen?
Yes, you can cook frozen tilapia without thawing it first. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly — it may take a few minutes longer than fresh or thawed tilapia.
2. Does frozen tilapia need to be thawed before cooking?
No, you can cook frozen tilapia without thawing it first. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly — it may take a few minutes longer than fresh or thawed tilapia.
3. Can I use other seasonings when cooking frozen tilapia?
Yes, definitely! You can use any seasonings you like — garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a premade fish-seasoning blend. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt and pepper if you’re using a pre-made blend since it may contain additional sodium.
4. How long do you cook frozen tilapia in the oven?
In the oven, frozen tilapia should be cooked for 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Be sure to drizzle it with olive oil and seasonings before baking.
Conclusion:
With these simple steps, you can whip up a delicious frozen tilapia dinner in no time at all! Tilapia is an excellent source of protein that is low in calories but high in flavor — plus it’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamins B6 & B12 that help support good health. So next time you’re looking for something fast yet nutritious to make for dinner, look no further than frozen tilapia!