Looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious weeknight dinner? This Lemon Herb Tilapia with Spinach is exactly what you need. I love how this recipe combines the delicate flavor of tilapia with bright lemon and fresh herbs, all served on a bed of nutritious spinach. It’s the perfect balance of light and satisfying, and best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the herb mixture.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the spinach and remaining herb mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
- Divide the spinach among four plates and top each with a tilapia fillet.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Notes
For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Make sure your tilapia fillets are completely thawed if using frozen fish.
- Don’t overcook the fish – it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Feel free to substitute the fresh herbs with dried ones if needed (use 1/3 of the amount called for fresh herbs).
- If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use other greens like Swiss chard or kale – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To check if the fish is done, use a fork to gently twist at the thickest part – it should flake easily and be opaque throughout.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
This Lemon Herb Tilapia with Spinach is a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet while keeping things interesting and flavorful. The combination of fresh herbs and lemon brightens up the mild tilapia, while the wilted spinach adds both nutrition and a lovely texture contrast. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough for company!
Lemon Herb Tilapia with Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and oregano.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the herb mixture.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the spinach and remaining herb mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted.
- Divide the spinach among four plates and top each with a tilapia fillet.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.
