3013. TILAPIA with BACON TOMATO BUTTER

2 cups water
1 tablespoon Kosher salt
2 teaspoons sugar
4 tilapia filets
4 slices uncooked bacon, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons butter

Combine the water, kosher salt and sugar in a shallow baking dish. Mix until dissolved. Add the tilapia and let stand 20 minutes. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook 3-5 minutes until almost crisp. Add the garlic and cook an additional two minutes, stirring frequently. Add the paprika and stir for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cook until just softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Transfer the bacon tomato butter to a small bowl. Return skillet to medium heat. Remove the fish from the water mixture and pat dry with paper towels. Cook the tilapia fillets 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the tilapia to plates, then top with the bacon tomato butter, about 2 tablespoons per filet.

bacon recipe courtesy of: The Jey of Cooking, July 27, 2012