Description
This hearty and vibrant dish features whole tilapia marinated in spices and oven-baked to perfection over a bed of colorful vegetables—flavorful, nourishing, and perfect for family-style dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 whole tilapia, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium potatoes, sliced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a large baking tray.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Score the tilapia with deep diagonal cuts on both sides. Rub the marinade generously over and inside each fish.
- Spread sliced vegetables on the tray and season lightly with salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Place the marinated tilapia on top of the vegetables. Insert lemon slices into the fish and tray for extra flavor.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the skin is crisp.
- Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
- For extra crispness, broil the fish for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Feel free to swap vegetables with other seasonal options like zucchini or eggplant.
- Ensure tilapia is cooked thoroughly by checking that the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or couscous.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg