I have been enjoying a lot of flavorful & healthy meals lately, this being perhaps my favorite of them all. This fish is just bursting with flavor and while I enjoy fish normally, I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed it to this degree, except for with my favorite salmon. But I like this fish even more than the salmon!
I don’t think it’s just my pregnancy hormones tricking me into thinking this is one of the most wonderful things I’ve ever eaten. I got the recipe from Suzie, who proclaimed it a restaurant-worthy meal (I so agree!). Her husband is super picky and usually will only eat things like pizza and burgers, but even he ate this and enjoyed it. I knew it must be good if he was willing to even taste it, let alone eat a whole serving. My hubs couldn’t stop at one piece, he had to have two. :)
The chile-lime butter is the key here – it’s your secret weapon to make tilapia, which isn’t that exciting by itself, seem like the most incredible edible thing ever. It has so much flavor that you don’t need much to make your filet absolutely craveable, so it only adds 50 (healthy!) calories to your meal. Light, fresh, totally amazing. Do it.
eTilapia with Chile-Lime Butter
Printable recipe
Printable recipe with picture
For the butter:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tablespoon finely chopped shallot (I used green onion)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh Thai or Serrano chile, including seeds (this adds almost no heat – use more if you like it hot!)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cilantro for garnish
For the fish:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tilapia fillets
Stir together butter, shallot, zest, lime juice, chile and salt in a bowl. Pat dry the fillets and sprinkle with salt. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over moderately high heat until just smoking, then saute the fillets, turning over once with a spatula until golden brown and just cooked through (4-5 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
Serve each warm fillet with a dollop of chili lime butter spread over the top. Garnish with cilantro.
Recipe Source: Two Dogs in the Kitchen
Veronica's Cornucopia 
Looks and sounds wonderful! I’m always looking for ‘extra yummy’ fish recipes. Pinning this one. Since we lived in Alaska for 8 years, hubby is VERY particular about the salmon he eats. I will check out that recipe of yours too. Thanks for another healthy recipe!!
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This sure does fit the ‘extra yummy” category! I know you guys will love it.
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Yum Yum! What a good meal and a bonus that hubby liked it too.
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Yes for sure. I’m glad Dennis isn’t picky, but I think almost the pickiest eater would enjoy it!
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I had to laugh for a second V because I made an egg white omelet with spinach for breakfast and when I first saw the picture in my reader, I thought you had made an egg white omelet too!
I wish Iiked fish!
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Too funny, at first glance it DOES kind of look like an egg white omelet!
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Glad you and Dennis liked the fish V! It’s still one of our favorites here too. I agree it’s the chili lime butter that puts it over the top! I had forgot what we ate with ours until I seen my blog and it was your italian green beans :)
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Yeah, too funny! And I really wanted to make your potatoes to go with this but only had time to microwave whole ones. Oh well, still good!
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Chile lime butter? exotic much?
Suits this dish so well :D
Cheers
CCU
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Yeah, I guess it is! And so good. :)
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Sounds like the perfect dinner to me Veronica, light, lean and full of flavor. I’m always looking for new fish recipes, so thanks for a yummy one!
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Oh this is right up your alley, I can see you guys enjoying this based on the types of dishes you make. I’m not usually so fancy but it’s simple and so good.
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You and Suzie are the best…love that you’re eating healthier for you and baby. This does sound amazing! I wonder if I could get the boys to grill some tilapia up this weekend on top of the smorgasbord of meat…
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Good luck with that! I’m sure they’ll do it if you get it ready for them and hand it over. My BIL was grilling burgers for my nephew’s birthday party and his mom asked if he’d grill someone’s veggie burger. The look on his face was priceless. Men and their meat!
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Thanks! Will have to try this the next trip to the grocers. I love fish!
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If you love fish, you’ll definitely enjoy this! Let me know!
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Mmmm, this looks wonderful, Veronica! Tilapia is the fish of choice in our house, and I’m always looking for new, creative ways to prepare it! And I just LOVE lime, so thank you sweetly for this yummy recipe!
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