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Turmeric Baked Tilapia

An easy, fresh, 10 minute fish dinner! Baked straight from frozen and all on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. Effortless and tasty!

This turmeric baked tilapia is an easy, healthy dinner to make when you’re short on time!

If there is something I can always count on, it’s my fleeting memory. That’s why I like to make recipes that are quick and flexible. Meals that require a lot of prep work or defrosting aren’t my strong suit.

I especially like making this baked tilapia because it can be baked from a frozen state. I typically buy individually frozen tilapia fillets from Trader Joe’s though, so baking from frozen is really ideal. If you do however want tips on defrosting do’s and don’t s, check out “Defrosting 101” below.

Turmeric Baked Tilapia | brightrootskitchen.com

I love cooking with turmeric because it has such a beautiful yellow-orange color. Plus, since tilapia is a white fish, it really preserves this pretty hue. Turmeric is also BFF’s with ginger. The mix tastes vaguely like curry but it’s got a nice mix of sweetness and warmth.

I think the real kicker in this recipe though is the toasted sesame oil. It’s the secret ingredient that your guests will definitely spend all night trying to figure out. This turmeric baked tilapia tastes great with a squeeze of lime juice and a slice of avocado.

If you really want to amp it up though, definitely try drizzling some of my 5 minute wonder sauce on top…you won’t regret it!

Defrosting 101:

  • Don’t defrost meat on the counter
  • Defrost in the fridge overnight
  • If you need a semi-quick defrost, place your frozen meat into a bowl of COLD water. I know it seems odd to put cold meat into cold water for it to get less cold, but it works. You need to use cold water to discourage bacteria growth. Warm water could also mess with the meat’s texture. The cold water technique gets the job done in 30-45 minutes.
Turmeric Baked Tilapia | brightrootskitchen.com

Turmeric Baked Tilapia | brightrootskitchen.com

Turmeric Baked Tilapia

Rate this Recipe:
3.93 from 13 votes
This Turmeric Baked Tilapia is an easy, fresh, 10 minute fish dinner! Baked straight from frozen and all on one sheet pan for easy cleanup. Effortless and tasty!
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Main Course
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings2

Ingredients

  • 2 tilapia fillets fresh or frozen
  • 1 tsp ground ginger powder
  • 1 tbsp turmeric
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbs toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat broiler to low heat setting.
  • In a small bowl mix together ginger, turmeric, cayenne, sesame oil, olive oil, salt and pepper until it forms a loose paste. Use your hands or a pastry brush to rub paste on both sides of each filet. Place seasoned fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet. 
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Tip: If your starting from frozen, it will take closer to 15 minutes. 
  • Drizzle with 5 minute wonder sauce (linked in post). Enjoy!
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Don’t forget to snag your FREE seafood cooking guide + bonus marinade recipe!

Seafood cooking guide| brightrootskitchen.com

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Ki
    January 27, 2020 at

    What do you serve with this, other than the sauce?

    • Reply
      Ashley
      January 28, 2020 at

      You can do a number of things but my favorite sides are roasted cauliflower, brown rice or cabbage slaw (mayo-free) : )

  • Reply
    Kim
    October 28, 2018 at

    Can’t wait to start trying some of your recipies! Everything looks so fresh and bright tasting! Thanks!

    • Reply
      Ashley
      October 28, 2018 at

      Awesome! Hope you like them! If you have questions or suggestions for future recipes you’d like to see, let me know : )

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