Name: Balsamic Glazed Tilapia with Charred Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh basil, divided; 1 bunch chopped fresh thyme; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced, divided; Sea salt to taste; Ground black pepper to taste; 4 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets; Olive oil, divided; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 shallot, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant dish! Flaky tilapia is paired with sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and a tangy balsamic reduction for a symphony of flavors that's both healthy and impressive.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop 1/4 of the basil leaves. In a bowl, combine the chopped basil, chopped thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, and ground black pepper. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Marinate the Tilapia: Rub the spice mixture generously onto the tilapia fillets. Place the fillets in an airtight container and marinate at room temperature for 2 hours. (2 hours)

03

Step

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and grease it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. (5 minutes)

04

Step

Assemble the Dish: Place the marinated tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish, shaking off any excess seasoning. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallot, and remaining unchopped basil leaves over the fish. Drizzle half of the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar over the ingredients. (10 minutes)

05

Step

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the fish is starting to flake easily with a fork. (10 minutes)

06

Step

Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: While the fish is baking, in a saucepan, combine the remaining lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue to boil until the liquid reduces and thickens to the consistency of molasses, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. (10 minutes)

07

Step

Broil: Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

08

Step

Char and Finish: Broil the fish until the tomatoes are nicely charred, about 5 minutes. Remove the baking dish from the oven and discard any excess liquid. Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction generously over the fish before serving. (5 minutes)