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Jalapeño Honey Tilapia

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The following recipe, video and photography were provided by our partner, Chef Billy Parisi.

Add a little sweetness and spice to your next seafood supper with this Jalapeño Honey Tilapia.

When I’m in need of an easy dish for a busy weeknight that also delivers ample nutrition, I always turn to white fish. Light, flaky and full of essential vitamins and minerals, it’s a protein that always pleases everyone at my table.

White fish, like tilapia, can be a bit bland on its own, but adding extra flavor could not be easier. With the help of spicy jalapeños, sweet honey and savory cilantro, you can quickly create five-star flavor in no time!

Jalapeño Honey Tilapia

Jalapeño Honey Tilapia

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and small diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1 ½ Tbsp. honey
  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the butter to a medium-size bowl, along with the jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, honey, salt and pepper.  Mash with a fork until all of the ingredients are completely combined. Set aside in the refrigerator. There will be plenty leftover, and this stores beautifully in the freezer.
  2. Season the tilapia on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over medium-high heat. As soon as it begins to lightly smoke, add the tilapia and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until well browned and cooked throughout. If your pan is on the smaller side, cook the fish in batches.
  4. Transfer the cooked tilapia to a serving plate and generously top with some of the jalapeño butter, spreading it all over the fish.
  5. If desired, add optional garnishes of chopped cilantro, sliced green onions and sliced red chilies.

Tilapia with Jalapeño Honey Butter

Chef Billy Parisi

By Chef Billy Parisi

Chef Billy Parisi is a culinary school grad who spent 15 years in the restaurant industry as a line cook, sous chef and executive chef. Now he develops, photographs and films simple and delicious recipes that will make everyone feel like a chef in their own kitchen.

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