TOMATO BASIL GARLIC FISH

This recipe's for you, Tiger!

We've been on a mission to get more fish on our dinner table each week. I love trying out new recipes to keep things exciting, and recently, I stumbled upon a bunch that feature white fish like Cod, Tilapia, or Halibut in a yummy sauce made of basil and tomatoes. So, here's my take on it, and guess what? It's quickly become our family favorite. It pairs perfectly with fluffy basmati or fragrant jasmine rice, or maybe just a side salad.

Here are some tips:

• You can go for fresh fish or grab some frozen fillets – just make sure those frozen ones are all thawed out.

• Now, the key here is timing, so it's a good idea to get all your ingredients ready before you start.

• Be gentle when you're sautéing those tomatoes for the sauce; we want them to keep their shape as much as possible.

• And remember, as soon as it's ready, serve it up straight away for the best taste!

Yields 4-6 Servings

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Large sauté or frying pan (non-stick is best if new to cooking fish on the stove top)

• Paper towels

• Medium size bowl (to hold sauce while cooking fish)

• 2 Spatulas

INGREDIENTS

FISH

• 4 - 6 Fillets (4 -6 ounces each)

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

SAUCE

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

• 1 pint Grape Tomatoes, sliced in half

• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

• 3 Large Cloves Garlic (minced)

• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Chicken Stock or Dry White Wine

• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil, chopped

• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest

• 3 tbsp Lemon Juice

• 1/2 tsp Salt

• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep the fish filets

   1. Pat filets with paper towel on both side removing most of the moisture

   2. Lightly salt and pepper

   3. Set aside

2. Make the Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce

   1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a sauce pan over medium heat

   2. Add crushed red pepper and tomatoes. Sauté for 3-4 min to allow tomatoes to blister.

   3. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 1-2 min

   4. Add broth or white wine and bring to a gentle simmer

   5. Add basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and sugar and sauté for another 1-2 min (no longer or sauce will reduce too much)

   6. Transfer sauce to a bowl and set aside for later

3. Cook the Fish

   1. Using the same pan (you do not need to clean or wipe down), heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat

   2. Gently add fillets to the pan ensuring they are in oil and ensure they are not overlapping

   3. Allow fish to sear for 3 min, until lightly golden brown.

   4. The filets will be delicate, so using the two spatulas, gently flip the fish and sear for 3 mins - 4 mins or until cooked through (If using a food thermometer, temp should be 145 degrees F)

   5. Add Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce back to the pan, pouring over all the filets, and allow sauce to warm through; another 1 - 2 min

   6. Remove from heat and serve immediately