Instructions

1. Make your own marinara sauce if you're not using a store-bought product. To prepare, combine canned crushed tomatoes -- juice included -- with crushed garlic gloves, salt, pepper and other seasonings, such as onion powder and oregano, in a large skillet. Mix in red pepper flakes according to taste if you want some kick. Simmer the marinara sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss in some fresh chopped basil at the end of this time so it doesn't get too wilted.

2. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while your marinara sauce is simmering. Most ovens need about 20 minutes to reach this temperature. Use this time to prepare the tilapia.

3. Rinse the tilapia fillets off under cold running water, making sure to wipe away any loose scales that might be stuck to the flesh. Pat the fish dry with clean paper towels.

4. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Spread a few drops of cooking oil over it with a paper towel to prevent the fish from sticking. Spread the tilapia fillets out evenly on the tray, placing them skin side down. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over them.

5. Spoon the marinara over the cuts of fish, using as much or as little as you like. Put the tilapia into the oven to bake for about 8 minutes. Test one after this time by cutting into the center of the thickest fillet with a fork; the fish is fully cooked once the flesh is flaky and opaque all the way through. Transfer the fish one at a time to plates using a wide spatula, carefully supporting the whole fillet so it doesn't fall apart under the weight of the sauce.