The Zestiest Baked Tilapia with Coconut-Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delectable baked tilapia with coconut-cilantro sauce can transport you to tropical culinary landscapes.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate how this dish combines delicate fish with vibrant, fresh ingredients.

Coconut milk provides a luxurious base that perfectly complements the mild tilapia.

Cilantro adds a bright, zesty note that awakens every taste bud.

Subtle spices dance through the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Simple preparation techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Each bite promises a delightful journey of textures and tastes that will have you craving more.

What Makes Baked Tilapia with Coconut Sauce a Dream Dinner

• Simplify Dinner Prep: This recipe transforms ordinary tilapia into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen effort, using just one baking pan and a blender.
• Boost Flavor Instantly: The coconut-cilantro sauce delivers a punch of exotic, vibrant flavors that elevate the mild fish into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe requires less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and delicious meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the heat level by controlling the jalapeno quantity, allowing the recipe to suit different spice preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need for Coconut-Cilantro Tilapia

• Tilapia: A mild white fish that easily absorbs the flavors of the coconut-cilantro sauce.

• Coconut Milk: Provides a creamy and rich base for the sauce.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright herb flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Offers a warm, slightly spicy aromatic element.
• Garlic: Contributes a pungent and savory depth to the sauce.
• Jalapeno: Brings a subtle heat and complexity to the dish.
• Garam Masala: Introduces a warm, complex spice blend typical in Indian cuisine.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fish.
• Canola Oil Spray: Prevents the fish from sticking to the baking pan.

• Cilantro: Provides a fresh herb garnish to finish the dish.
• Brown Rice: Serves as a complementary side dish to the baked tilapia.

Bake Up Coconut Tilapia with No Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season Fish

Gently sprinkle salt over the tilapia fillets, ensuring even coverage. Place the fish carefully in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Grated ginger
• Garam masala
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeno

Pulse the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, vibrant sauce with beautiful green specks.

Step 4: Coat Fish with Sauce

Pour the blended mixture directly over the seasoned tilapia, making sure each fillet gets generously covered.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Cook for approximately 15 minutes until the fish turns completely opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro on top. Plate alongside warm brown rice for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Coconut Tilapia Tips for Creamy Perfection

• Choose fresh tilapia fillets with minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder sauce.
• Pat fish dry before seasoning to ensure better sauce adherence and crisp edges.
• Use light coconut milk for a healthier version without compromising creamy sauce texture.
• Swap brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative meal options.

Tilapia with a Twist—Fresh Flavor Ideas

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace garam masala with oregano and add diced tomatoes and capers to the sauce for a Greek-inspired version.
• Tropical Heat Wave: Substitute jalapeno with habanero pepper and add mango chunks to the sauce for a spicier, sweeter Caribbean-style dish.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Use parsley instead of cilantro, incorporate lemon zest, and sprinkle fresh thyme over the fish for a bright, herbaceous flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Splash: Mix in red curry paste with the coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of Southeast Asian flair.

Great Pairings for Coconut-Cilantro Tilapia

• Pair Fresh Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the coconut and cilantro flavors, cutting through the rich sauce with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Vibrant Citrus Side Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lime vinaigrette to enhance the fish's delicate texture and mirror the recipe's tropical undertones.
• Serve Coconut Rice Accompaniment: Cook brown rice with additional coconut milk and a pinch of salt to echo the sauce's creamy coconut base, creating a harmonious and cohesive dining experience.

Store Your Tilapia Without Losing Its Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the sauce covers the fish to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Reheating: Place fish in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add additional short bursts if needed to prevent overcooking.
• Oven Reheating: Warm tilapia in a preheated 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Drizzle a tablespoon of coconut milk over the fish to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.

Baked Tilapia Questions? We’ve Got Answers

• Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thaw it completely and pat dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.

• Is garam masala necessary for the sauce?

While garam masala adds depth, you can substitute with curry powder or a blend of cumin and coriander if you don’t have it on hand.

• How spicy will the sauce be with the jalapeño?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level. Remove the jalapeño seeds for less spice or use half a pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.

• What if I don't have a blender?

You can finely chop the ingredients and whisk them together in a bowl, though the sauce might be less smooth.

Baked Tilapia with Coconut-Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy baked tilapia with coconut-cilantro sauce brings Caribbean coastal flavors to your dinner table. Fresh herbs and creamy coconut blend seamlessly, offering a light yet satisfying meal packed with zesty tropical notes you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 (6 ounces/170 grams) tilapia fillets
• 3 cups brown rice

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup light reduced-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• Canola oil spray

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 425°F and lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with canola oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season tilapia with salt, arranging fillets in a single layer within the prepared pan.
3. Create a vibrant coconut-cilantro sauce by blending coconut milk, fresh cilantro, minced ginger, garam masala, crushed garlic, and chopped jalapeno until a smooth, fragrant mixture forms.
4. Generously drizzle the aromatic sauce over the seasoned fish, ensuring even coverage.
5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes, monitoring until the fish turns completely opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
6. Remove from oven, garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor, and serve alongside warm brown rice to complete the meal.

Notes

• Use fresh tilapia fillets for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder heat or adding more for extra kick.
• Consider substituting coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich sauce that maintains creamy consistency.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and prevent last-minute scrambling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg