Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe

Name: Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 pound tilapia filets; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup vegetable broth; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 ounce soft French cheese (such as Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese); 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 lemon, sliced, for garnish

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Tilapia with Boursin Sauce

This delicious Tilapia with creamy Boursin sauce is a perfect combination of light, tender fish and rich, flavorful sauce. A quick and easy dish that's sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Tilapia:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound tilapia filets
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Boursin Sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 ounce soft French cheese (such as Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese)
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 lemon, sliced, for garnish

Directions

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Season both sides of the tilapia filets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Place the seasoned fish in the skillet and cook until a golden crust forms, about 3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the fish from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the vegetable broth and let it cook for 4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined.
Add the lemon juice to the sauce, then continue whisking until fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the tilapia on plates, spoon the Boursin sauce over the fish, and garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 396
Total Fat: 21g (26% DV)
Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
Cholesterol: 104mg (35% DV)
Sodium: 779mg (34% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 26g (10% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% DV)
Total Sugars: 9g
Protein: 35g (69% DV)
Vitamin C: 111mg (124% DV)
Calcium: 155mg (12% DV)
Iron: 3mg (14% DV)
Potassium: 838mg (18% DV)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce is a delightful seafood dish that pairs mild, tender tilapia fillets with a rich, creamy sauce made from Boursin cheese, garlic, lemon, and vegetable broth. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. The dish is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes to cook, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History of the Dish

Tilapia is a freshwater fish that originates from Africa but has been introduced into various regions of the world. It is widely consumed due to its mild flavor, quick cooking time, and sustainable farming practices. The concept of pairing fish with creamy sauces can be traced back to European cuisine, particularly French cooking, which is known for its rich and indulgent cream-based dishes. Boursin cheese, a soft and flavorful French cheese, adds a distinct creamy texture to the sauce, contributing to the overall decadence of the dish. This recipe combines traditional French flavors with a modern American twist, creating a fusion of culinary techniques and ingredients.

Regional Variations

While tilapia is enjoyed worldwide, this particular recipe with Boursin cheese and lemon sauce is more typical of American-style seafood dishes, where the emphasis is often on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. In France, similar creamy sauces might be paired with fish like sole or cod, and the use of fresh herbs, butter, and cream is prevalent. In Mediterranean regions, lemon and garlic are frequently used with seafood, but without the creamy cheese sauce, favoring olive oil and herbs instead. This recipe could easily be adapted to other types of fish, such as cod or bass, depending on local availability.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce differs from other creamy fish dishes in its use of Boursin cheese, which provides a distinctive garlicky-herb flavor compared to traditional cream sauces that rely solely on cream and butter. While dishes like "fish in beurre blanc" or "fish with beurre mani" feature simple butter-based sauces, the Boursin cheese in this recipe adds a tangy, herby note, making the sauce more complex. Additionally, the incorporation of lemon juice in this dish provides a fresh acidity that balances the richness of the sauce, distinguishing it from other creamy fish preparations that might lack this bright flavor contrast.

Where It Is Typically Served

Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce is often served in casual dining settings as well as upscale seafood restaurants. It is a popular choice for dinner parties or family gatherings due to its ease of preparation and impressive presentation. The dish pairs wonderfully with sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad, making it a versatile entre for various occasions. In coastal regions, this dish can be found in restaurants offering fresh seafood dishes with a contemporary flair, showcasing the best of both local fish and French-inspired culinary techniques.

Interesting Facts

Tilapia is one of the most widely consumed fish in the world due to its mild flavor and quick growth cycle, making it a sustainable choice for aquaculture.
Boursin cheese, which is the star of the creamy sauce, was created in 1957 by French cheese maker Franois Boursin. It is known for its smooth texture and rich, garlicky-herb flavor.
In addition to its mild flavor, tilapia is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious yet nutritious meal.
The use of lemon in the dish not only adds flavor but also enhances the absorption of iron from the fish, making it a great source of vitamins and minerals.

FAQ about Tilapia with Lemon-Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the fish and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed. If you do choose to freeze it, store the fish and sauce separately, and be aware that the texture may change upon reheating.

Yes, you can substitute Boursin cheese with other soft, flavored cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese with herbs, or even a similar garlic and herb cheese. The flavor profile may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice), roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. Mashed potatoes or a side of garlic bread also complement the creamy sauce.

Yes, you can use other mild, white fish such as cod, haddock, or sole. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the thickness of the fish fillets.

To make the sauce lighter, consider using a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream, such as half-and-half or a plant-based cream. You can also reduce the amount of butter and replace it with olive oil for a healthier fat option.

Yes, you can prepare the fish and sauce separately ahead of time. Store the fish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently. Prepare the sauce the day of serving to prevent separation, or store it in a separate container for reheating.

If the sauce is too thin, try simmering it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it. You can also add a bit more cheese to help thicken it. Alternatively, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and whisk it into the sauce to thicken.

Yes, you can skip the garlic if you prefer. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, though it may lack the depth of flavor that garlic provides. You could add some other herbs or seasonings, like thyme or basil, to enhance the taste.

Comments

Angela Garcia

01/03/2023 08:17:27 AM

My partner and I absolutely loved this dish. The only modification we made was using the entire 3.5 oz of cheese because, why not! Maybe in the future, I'll consider adding some spice to the fish seasoning based on personal preference, but overall it was a delicious and comforting meal. We served it over rice for my partner and cauliflower/broccoli rice for myself. It was simply fantastic!

Stephanie Davis

03/25/2023 01:00:16 PM

This recipe is truly exceptional and stands out among the ones we've recently tried. Although my sauce turned out a bit runny, we actually enjoyed it that way. To cater to my daughter who is very selective about her food and doesn't eat fish, I prepared a pork chop using the same ingredients - and it turned out fantastic! The sauce complemented the pork chop perfectly as well.

Jerry Torres

08/31/2023 01:36:22 AM

The dish was delicious. I rated it 4 stars because I didn't have much sauce left (possibly due to overcooking), and because the cream and butter, while tasty, are not the healthiest ingredients.