Introduction

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender tilapia fillets are seasoned and baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering a delicious meal in under 15 minutes.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
1 lemon, sliced into rounds, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Arrange the fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture evenly over the seasoned tilapia.
Step 3: Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is tender.
Step 4: Remove from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the tilapia in the garlic butter mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Swap tilapia for other mild white fish like cod or haddock if preferred.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh thyme and oregano can be used; use about three times the amount compared to dried herbs for the best flavor.

Is tilapia a healthy choice?

Tilapia is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and contains essential nutrients, making it a healthy option for most diets.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.9 from 672 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia featuring tender fillets seasoned with aromatic herbs and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection for a quick and flavorful meal.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Tilapia and Seasoning

4 tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano

Garlic Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat and season: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the tilapia fillets with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Arrange the fillets evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare garlic butter sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. This mixture will infuse the fish with rich, bright flavors during baking.
Pour and bake: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tilapia is flaky and tender when tested with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the fish from the oven. Garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices to add a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

Tilapia is a delicate fish that cooks quickly; be careful not to overcook to keep it moist and tender.
You can adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
Red pepper flakes add a little heat but can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
For additional flavor, you can marinate the fish in the garlic butter sauce for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Keywords: tilapia, baked tilapia, garlic butter tilapia, easy fish recipe, oven baked fish, healthy tilapia, quick dinner, lemon garlic fish