The most delicious Arabic food

How to Make a Delicious Tilapia Fish Tray: A Step-by-Step Guide

Baking tilapia in a tray is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to prepare this mild, flaky fish. This dish is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer it with garlic, lemon, or Mediterranean spices, this step-by-step guide will help you make a delicious tilapia fish tray at home.

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Ingredients

For the Fish:

• 2-4 whole tilapia fish, cleaned and scaled (or 4 fillets)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional, for an extra flavor boost)

For the Vegetables (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or yellow for sweetness)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 2 potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish & Serving:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra olive oil

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Tray:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Lightly grease a large baking tray with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

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2. Season the Tilapia:

1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and coriander.
2. Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels and coat it well with the seasoning mixture.
3. If using whole fish, make 2-3 slits on each side to absorb the flavors.

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3. Prepare the Vegetables (Optional):

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Arrange them on the baking tray as a bed for the tilapia.

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4. Assemble the Fish Tray:

1. Place the seasoned tilapia on top of the vegetables.
2. Drizzle extra olive oil and lemon juice over everything.
3. Cover the tray loosely with foil to prevent the fish from drying out.

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5. Bake the Tilapia:

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil after 20 minutes to let the fish brown slightly.
3. If using fillets, check for doneness after 15-20 minutes (they cook faster than whole fish).

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6. Serve & Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
2. Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread or rice.
3. Enjoy with a side of garlic sauce or tahini dip for extra flavor!

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Tips for the Best Baked Tilapia Tray:

✅ Use fresh tilapia for the best flavor—frozen works too, but thaw it completely first.
✅ Make slits in whole fish so the seasoning penetrates better.
✅ Roast uncovered for the last 10 minutes for crispy edges.
✅ Pair with a side salad like cucumber and yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Now you have a delicious tilapia fish tray ready to enjoy! Would you like a spicier or Mediterranean-style version? 🐟🔥