Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe offers a simple, flavorful, and healthy way to prepare tilapia fillets. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, topped with a zesty garlic butter sauce, and baked to flaky perfection, this dish makes a perfect quick dinner option that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt, to taste
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Season Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the tilapia fillets evenly on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets in the baking dish.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is tender inside. Avoid overbaking to keep the fillets moist and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and lemon slices for an extra citrusy touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the tilapia to prevent it from drying out.
- You can substitute tilapia with similar white fish fillets like cod or haddock if desired.
- For extra flavor, marinate the fish briefly in the garlic butter sauce before baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize brightness in flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.