Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
A quick and easy oven-baked tilapia recipe featuring lemon and garlic, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Tilapia fillets Fresh or frozen (thaw first if frozen)
- 1/4 cup Butter Can use olive oil as a substitute
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh tastes best; jarred works in a pinch
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice Add zest for extra brightness if desired
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika or red pepper flakes Optional for a kick
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- Melt the butter in a bowl and stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika or red pepper flakes if using.
Assembly and Baking
- Place the fillets in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the tilapia fillets.
- Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes depending on thickness.
Serving
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and add lemon slices if desired.
- Squeeze additional lemon juice over the fish before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
For thin fillets, reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes. Serve with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.