Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia

So moist and tender it will fall into flakes, and so rich in flavor you might just be surprised, this tilapia pasta will become one of your go-to white fish dishes. It receives routine raves from everyone who makes it, and from everyone who tries it.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this fish dish is a great weeknight dinner, especially when you pair it with a good starch. We will share some thoughts on that later, but for now, let’s get to the recipe.

Savory Tomato-Braised Tilapia Ingredients

• Tilapia fillets: As portioned out here, this recipe is designed for four tilapia fillets, each weighing about 6 ounces.
• Seasoned salt: We normally don’t mention salt in recipes, it being so ubiquitous, but in this case, use seasoned salt to add maximum flavor to the dish.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is always the best choice if you have it, but bottled lemon juice is just fine if need be.
• Olive oil: Use olive oil with plenty of flavor, such as an extra-virgin olive oil, for this recipe.
• Red onion: Make sure the small red onion is well chopped, so the pieces blend evenly into the sauce.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Don’t drain the liquid from the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles; you want that flavor-infused moisture in this dish.
• Roasted sweet red peppers: Chopped roasted sweet red peppers lend their wonderful flavor profile to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Just a half cup of broth is all you need to ensure the sauce is not too thick.
• Tomato paste: Here’s a quick hack: If the tomato paste is sticking in the measuring cup, rinse it out with the broth you will be using in the recipe.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder is potent stuff, so make sure to only use the prescribed teaspoon.
• Dried oregano: The same goes for oregano, an herb that is quite strong and flavor in its dried form.
• Hot cooked pasta: The hot cooked pasta is optional in the way putting the icing on a cake is optional. It’s not essential, but it sure is a good idea.

Directions

Step 1: Season fish, then cook onions and form the sauce

Sprinkle the fillets with the seasoned salt, then drizzle over the lemon juice. Then, in a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook it, stirring often, until it’s tender. Next, add the tomatoes, peppers, broth, tomato paste, garlic powder and oregano; cook and stir for two to three minutes longer.

Step 2: Cook the fish atop the sauce

Tilapia Pasta Variations

• Use a salsa shortcut: To save time, you can use a mild salsa instead of the tomatoes, peppers, and onion paste. Or, if you like things spicy use a hotter salsa.
• Switch the fish: This recipe works well with all sorts of white fish, so try it with cod, halibut, or whatever you find at the grocery store—or on the end of your line!
• Use vegetable broth: If you eat fish but not other types of meat, then you can by all means use veggie broth instead of the chicken broth.

How to Store Tilapia Pasta

Tilapia Pasta Tips

What is the safe internal temperature for cooked tilapia?

As with most fish, a tilapia filet is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

What should I serve with this fish?

Pasta really is a wonderful accompaniment to this savory fish, but you can also serve it with egg noodles, rice or a hearty rustic bread.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Of course, use about 2 cups of chopped tomatoes, keeping as much of the juice as possible for use in the recipe. Add green chiles if you have them, but if not, you can still proceed with the dish.