Hudson’s Baked Tilapia with Creamy Dill Sauce: A Delightful and Easy Weeknight Meal

Tilapia, often unfairly overlooked, is a fantastic canvas for flavor. Its mild taste makes it incredibly versatile, allowing it to soak up whatever deliciousness you throw its way. This recipe, inspired by the classic Hudson’s version but elevated with a few simple techniques, showcases baked tilapia at its absolute best: flaky, moist, and bathed in a creamy, tangy dill sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’re ditching complicated processes and focusing on creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Forget bland baked fish; this recipe delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

Several factors contribute to the success of this baked tilapia recipe:

* **Baking Technique:** Baking the tilapia ensures even cooking and keeps the fish incredibly moist. We’ll use a moderate oven temperature to prevent the fish from drying out.
* **Flavor Infusion:** Before baking, we’ll gently season the tilapia fillets with a blend of herbs and spices, allowing them to penetrate the fish and enhance its natural flavor.
* **The Dill Sauce:** This is the star of the show! The creamy dill sauce, made with a combination of sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist), mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard, adds a vibrant, tangy, and herby element that perfectly complements the mildness of the tilapia.
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal option.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Tilapia is a lean source of protein, and this recipe utilizes simple, wholesome ingredients for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* **Tilapia Fillets:** 4 (6-8 ounce) tilapia fillets, skinless
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, divided
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)

**For the Creamy Dill Sauce:**

* **Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt):** 1/2 cup
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/4 cup (light or regular)
* **Fresh Dill:** 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
* **Black Pepper:** 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste)

**Optional Garnishes:**

* Lemon wedges
* Fresh dill sprigs
* Chopped parsley

Equipment Needed

* Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create Hudson’s Baked Tilapia with Creamy Dill Sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Tilapia**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature will ensure the tilapia cooks evenly without drying out.
2. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar size) with olive oil. This will prevent the tilapia from sticking.
3. **Pat Dry the Tilapia:** Gently pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help them brown slightly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
4. **Season the Tilapia:** In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. **Marinate the Tilapia:** Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the herb and lemon juice mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Gently rub the mixture into the fish. Let the tilapia marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) to allow the flavors to penetrate.

**Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dill Sauce**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (or garlic powder), salt, and black pepper.
2. **Whisk Thoroughly:** Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more dill for a stronger dill flavor.
3. **Set Aside:** Set the dill sauce aside while the tilapia marinates and bakes.

**Step 3: Bake the Tilapia**

1. **Spread the Dill Sauce:** Once the tilapia has marinated, evenly spread the creamy dill sauce over the top of each fillet, ensuring they are fully covered.
2. **Bake:** Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. A general rule of thumb is to bake for 8-10 minutes per inch of thickness.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the tilapia is cooked through, insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet. If it flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Once the tilapia is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill sprigs, or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Hudson’s Baked Tilapia with Creamy Dill Sauce immediately while it’s warm and the sauce is at its best.

Tips and Variations

* **Use Fresh Herbs:** While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh dill and other herbs will elevate the flavor of the dish significantly. If you have access to fresh herbs, definitely use them!
* **Adjust the Sauce:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the dill sauce to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Make it Healthier:** Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise to reduce the fat content of the dill sauce.
* **Add Vegetables:** Roast some vegetables alongside the tilapia in the same baking dish for a complete and easy meal. Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers would all be great choices.
* **Use Different Fish:** While this recipe is specifically for tilapia, you can easily substitute other white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, or flounder. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Broiling for a Golden Top:** For the last minute or two of cooking, you can broil the tilapia to get a slightly golden and bubbly top on the dill sauce. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the dill sauce and marinate the tilapia up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dill sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add Capers:** Stir in a tablespoon of capers to the dill sauce for a briny and salty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Hudson’s Baked Tilapia with Creamy Dill Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious dill sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** As mentioned earlier, roasted vegetables are a great accompaniment. Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers are all excellent choices.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, provide a healthy and simple side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash:** Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash are a comforting and satisfying side option.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tilapia and dill sauce.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Always serve with lemon wedges so everyone can add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use frozen tilapia?**
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly after thawing to remove excess moisture.
* **Can I make this recipe without sour cream?**
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. The taste and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **How long does leftover tilapia last?**
Leftover baked tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
* **Can I grill the tilapia instead of baking?**
Yes, you can grill the tilapia. Marinate the fillets as directed, then grill over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
* **What if I don’t have fresh dill?**
You can use dried dill in a pinch, but fresh dill will provide a much better flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill.
* **How do I know when the tilapia is done?**
The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
* **Can I add other herbs to the sauce?**
Absolutely! Parsley, chives, or tarragon would all be delicious additions to the dill sauce.
* **Is this recipe gluten-free?**
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.

Enjoy Your Delicious Hudson’s Baked Tilapia!

This Hudson’s Baked Tilapia with Creamy Dill Sauce is a truly delightful and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky tilapia and the tangy, herby dill sauce is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home! Bon appétit!