Bobby's Baked Tilapia

tilapia

I am not a big Paula Deen fan as far as cooking goes, and I probably won't be posting any of her recipes on this site any time soon.
She uses way toooooo much butter, lard, mayo and heavy cream for my tastes.

However, she is one of my favorite Food Network personalities, only because I love her cheerful and positive disposition, and her true story of how she was a single mom with zero dollars, raising two boys and turned a little lunch business into a household name brand.
Impressed.

Let's go back to her sons.
Not too bad on the eyes and they love their mama! It's so nice to watch them cook together, makes me smile every time.

I received some free tilapia from a new market called Eden Gourmet to try. Since this was my first time cooking tilapia, I really wanted to taste the fish, so I made this simple recipe from Paula's son Bobby.

It doesn't get any easier than this.
Any fresh fish would be great prepared this way.
I find simple is always best.

Bobby's Baked Tilapia: (adapted from Food Network)

Butter cooking spray
2 (6 to 8-ounce) tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 lime, finely grated zest and juice
2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large cast iron pan with a nonstick spray.

Rinse fish and pat dry, season each fillet with salt, cracked pepper, lime zest and lime juice.



Add fish to the pan. Place a pat of butter on each fillet and cook in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes.



Garnish with thinly sliced limes and cilantro.



This was really easy and so delicious!

UPDATE 2014: Since I don't buy tilapia anymore (not a good, healthy fish)..........you can substitute another white fish, like flounder or sole. I only buy wild fish when I can, but it's tough out there!

Comments

Isn't tilapia great? I make it all the time,it's not fishy tasting at all! This is a simple, easy preparation, I like the lime and cilantro, and yes, I agree with you about Paula Deen in every way. I saw her in the city here, and she has the prettiest blue eyes, they're unreal, and her personality is just what ou see on tv.
Wow, I'm the first comment today, I got up early, thats why!
Linda said…
I too agree about Paula, Her recipes could kill you, quickly, but I love to watch her! And yes Im a fan of her story, and her sons,!!!!
Can't get any easier than that!
Looks yummy
kat said…
I'm with you she is an inspiration & does seem to have a good personality. & that fish couldn't be easier
Anonymous said…
Stacey, I like your cooking much more than you like Paula Deen's, but I ALSO cotton to what I glean about your personality from reading this blog, basically, you're a MENSCH! Just please, PLEASE, tell you're the Democrat in your family! ps even if he's a Republican, Henry's very handsome, and gets some points with me just for his name, my oldest son's Henry, too. Whatever the story, together you two balance things out.
The JR said…
We don't cook tilapia either. We use fresh caught bass or perch. I'm sure this will do fine with the recipe.

Looks great.
George Gaston said…
Stacey, you have to like a guy who loves his mama. And Bobby surely does that!

But when it comes to cooking, Bobby has he own way with food. He likes it a bit lighter than mom. Thus his recipes have a wider world appeal.

This recipe of his sounds really good. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing...
Karen said…
I made that tilapia last week!! It was so easy and light. My crew loved it. I was thinking about it again tonight because we do meat-free Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent. I will be looking for lots more fish options.
Bob said…
Looks fantastic! My girlfriend is actually willing to try tilapia so I'm going to be getting some soon, hopefully.
Pam said…
I love this dish. Simple and delicious.

The pasta with walnut sauce down below looks tasty too.
Ciao Chow Linda said…
I'm with you on your feelings about Paula. I'd love to be her next door neighbor or good friend. Tilapia is also great with the standard lemon/caper/parsley sauce too.
Holly said…
This is my favorite Tilapia recipe! I like to use lemon and lime and extra zest...it's delicious!
Suzanne said…
thanks for the wonderful recipe! I just recently started cooking with talapia so I'll give this one a try!
So delicate and refinded tasting! I love that fish!

Cheers,

Rosa
This does look easy Stacey. I know the lime zest would make a big difference in the flavor. I'm beginning to use zest more and more.

I tend to shy away from Paula's recipes also for the very reason you stated. However, I enjoyed her memoir. I've checked out some of the Deen boy's cookbooks from the library and found some good recipes also. And you're right. They are not at all bad on the eyes and the love their mama. What more can you ask for in a man?
Sam
Foodiewife said…
I buy Tilapia when I can't get fresh sole. It's so mild and versatile. Great recipe. I agree on Paula-- love her cackle and she's a lot of fun. But, if I ate like she does, every day-- my waist would explode!