Introduction

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or a quick dinner. The tender tilapia fillets are seasoned with herbs and baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

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, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Arrange the seasoned 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 garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets.
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 and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the tilapia in the garlic butter mixture for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Swap tilapia with other mild white fish like cod or haddock if preferred.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist to the seasoning.

Storage

Store leftover baked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F until heated through or microwave briefly to avoid drying out the fish. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain tenderness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for seasoning?

Yes, fresh thyme and oregano can be used. Use about 1 teaspoon of fresh herbs in place of ½ teaspoon dried for the best flavor.

Is tilapia a healthy choice for baking?

Absolutely. Tilapia is a lean, low-calorie fish that is high in protein and cooks quickly, making it a healthy and convenient option for baked dishes.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.7 from 65 reviews

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia fillets seasoned with paprika, thyme, and oregano, then bathed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and zest. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Garnished with red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon slices, it offers a delightful combination of zesty, herbaceous, and buttery flavors.

Author: Marco
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

Fish

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, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, to taste
Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Season Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the tilapia fillets evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano, then arrange the fillets in a 9×13 inch baking dish ensuring they are spread out evenly.
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Pour this flavorful garlic butter mixture over the seasoned tilapia fillets, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
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 throughout, indicating it is cooked perfectly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately for a delicious, vibrant meal.

Notes

Ensure the tilapia fillets are evenly coated with the garlic butter to maximize flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes used as garnish.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best citrus taste.
Tilapia cooks quickly; avoid overbaking to keep the fish moist and tender.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Tilapia, Baked Tilapia, Healthy Fish Recipe, Oven Baked Fish, Easy Tilapia Recipe, Lemon Garlic Fish