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Tilapia with Citrus-Garlic Sauce

I don’t understand why tilapia is not more popular. It has a flaky texture and good and delicate flavor and can be cooked just about any way you’d prepare any other fish. Plus, it’s safely and sustainably fished, widely available, and affordable. I buy and cook quite a bit of it, sometimes because I seek it out specifically, as when I make this recipe. Other times I get it because I request a specific fish and am told that it’s frozen in the back of the store. In these cases, I choose tilapia instead and am never disappointed.

Cooks' Note

The best time to prepare the sauce is indicated in the recipe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 5- to 6-ounce tilapia fillets
Kosher salt to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredients for Citrus-Garlic Sauce (page 165, see Note)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Sprinkle the fillets on both sides with salt. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the tilapia to the pan and cook until the fish is opaque, about 3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and keep warm.

    Step 2

    Wipe out the skillet and prepare the citrus-garlic sauce. Arrange the fillets on 4 individual plates or on a platter. Pour the sauce over the fillets and serve.

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