| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 292 | 10g | 2g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 35g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Nigerian Tomato Basil Baked Fish
As a gourmet guru, few things excite me more than challenging myself with diverse and exotic recipes from across the globe. One such delightful delicacy that I have recently indulged in is the Tomato Basil Baked Fish, a traditional Nigerian delight that perfectly combines health with taste.
A Heartwarming Fusion
As a Texas girl with a love for Tex-Mex and Southern cuisine, the vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas of this Nigerian dish brought with it an exciting novelty. It reminded me somewhat of a Chicken Verde recipe I once tried which was packed full of flavors. Resisting its charm was simply not an option for a creative foodie like myself.
Appreciating Global Culinary Geniuses
I gained my inspiration for this recipe from the immensely talented Chef Tunde Wey who is also an influential food writer known for challenging racial disparity within the context of food. This flavourful fish fillet baked with luscious tomatoes and fragrant basil is, therefore, not just a recipe, but a means for me to appreciate and honor the culinary talents worldwide.
The Tomato Basil Baked Fish recipe is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course at dinner or as a posh brunch option. Given its spicy tones, it can be perfectly accompanied with Cilantro Lime Rice or a Creamy Cucumber Salad, which can provide a refreshing contrast to its intense taste.
Deep down in my heart, I know I’ll always be a Texas girl, living for the marriage of Mexican flavors and Southern techniques. But getting a taste of the world, such as through this Tomato Basil Baked Fish masterpiece, continues to enhance my enthusiasm for culinary exploration.
What You’ll Need
- 6 tilapia fillets or other white fish (about 4 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup fish broth or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced onion. Saute until the onion becomes translucent, this should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and basil leaves to the skillet. Stir well to combine these ingredients and allow them to cook for another 5 minutes.
Step Four
Season the tomato and onion mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
Step Five
Arrange the tilapia fillets in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the tomato and onion mixture over the fish, ensuring that the fillets are evenly covered. Pour the fish broth or water around the fillets and drizzle each one with fresh lemon juice.
Step Six
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and opaque.
Step Seven
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with wedges of lemon on the side.
