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Easy Broiled Tilapia With Thai Coconut Curry Sauce – Fast, Flavorful, Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Tilapia fillets (4 fillets, about 1 to 1.5 pounds total)
  • Olive oil or neutral oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Full-fat coconut milk (1 can, 13.5–14 oz)
  • Thai red curry paste (2–3 tablespoons, to taste)
  • Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced)
  • Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) or ginger paste
  • Fish sauce or soy sauce (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Lime (1–2 limes, for juice and wedges)
  • Brown sugar or honey (1–2 teaspoons)
  • Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: red bell pepper, snap peas, spinach, scallions
  • Optional sides: jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed veggies

Method
 

  1. Prep the tilapia: Pat fillets dry. Brush lightly with oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside while you preheat.
  2. Preheat the broiler: Move an oven rack 6 inches from the heat source. Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly oil it.
  3. Start the sauce base: In a skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of oil. Add garlic and ginger. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  4. Add curry paste: Stir in the Thai red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Pour in coconut milk: Whisk until smooth. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Season the sauce: Add fish sauce (or soy sauce), brown sugar, and the juice of half a lime. Taste and adjust. You want a balanced mix of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy.
  7. Optional veggies: If using bell pepper or snap peas, add to the sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. For spinach, stir it in at the end just to wilt.
  8. Broil the tilapia: Place seasoned fillets on the prepared pan. Broil 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily and the edges have a light golden color.
  9. Finish with lime: Squeeze a little lime over the cooked fish for brightness.
  10. Serve: Spoon warm curry sauce over tilapia. Garnish with cilantro or basil. Add rice and lime wedges on the side.