Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with this incredibly simple yet explosively flavorful Turmeric Dill Tilapia. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks impressive, tastes extraordinary, and will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This golden-hued, herb-infused fish isn't just a meal—it's a flavor adventure that proves gourmet cooking can be both easy and absolutely delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix turmeric powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a dry seasoning blend.
- Gently rub the turmeric seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the hot pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle chopped fresh dill over the fillets to infuse the herb's aromatic flavor.
- Remove the tilapia from the pan and transfer to serving plates.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cooked fish to add brightness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill sprigs for a decorative and aromatic presentation.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or a light salad to complete the meal.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Use fresh dill if possible—it makes a significant difference in the dish's aromatic profile.
- Make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the fish to achieve that perfect sear.
- Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the fillets in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked fish.
- The lime juice added at the end is crucial—it brightens the entire flavor profile and cuts through the richness.
- For extra authenticity, serve with jasmine rice and a simple pickled vegetable side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
