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Easy Lemon Butter Tilapia Packets Recipe with Zucchini and Tomato for Perfect Healthy Dinner

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A quick and healthy dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets baked in foil packets with zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon butter sauce. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each), fresh or thawed
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic until combined. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches/30×30 cm each). Place a tilapia fillet in the center of each piece and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Divide the veggies evenly among the four foil pieces, arranging them around and slightly on top of the fish.
  6. Spread one-quarter of the lemon butter mixture over each fillet and vegetables.
  7. Fold the foil over the fish and veggies to create sealed packets, making sure the edges are tightly folded to trap steam inside.
  8. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
  9. Carefully open the packets (watch for hot steam) and garnish with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overbake the tilapia to avoid dryness; start checking at 15 minutes. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Softened butter spreads better and blends well with lemon and garlic. Seal packets tightly to trap steam and moisture. For crisper veggies, slice zucchini thicker or add fresh just before sealing packets. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based spread. Foil packets lock in moisture better than parchment paper.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, lemon butter, foil packets, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy fish recipe, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/easy-lemon-butter-tilapia-packets-recipe-with-zucchini-and-tomato-for-perfect-healthy-dinner/