Introduction

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a deliciously tender and aromatic fish that everyone will love.

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)
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets in the baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is tender throughout.
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, add a splash of white wine to the butter mixture before baking.
Swap tilapia for other white fish like cod or haddock for a different texture but similar results.
If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount.
Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to avoid drying out the fish. It is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking for the best results.

Is it necessary to melt the butter before mixing with garlic and lemon?

Melting the butter helps it blend smoothly with the garlic and lemon juice, allowing it to coat the fish evenly and infuse more flavor during baking.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-prepare seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets baked in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and fresh lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the fish is seasoned with paprika, thyme, and oregano, then roasted to a flaky, moist perfection and garnished with vibrant parsley and lemon slices for a fresh finishing touch.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasonings

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

Garnishes

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

Instructions

Preheat and season tilapia: 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. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a 9×13 inch baking dish in a single layer.
Prepare garlic butter sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets in the baking dish.
Bake the fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears tender and cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on fillet thickness.
Garnish and serve: Remove the baked tilapia from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley, and lemon slices for enhanced flavor and a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the tilapia to keep it tender and moist; cooking time depends on thickness.
Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control the level of heat in the garnish.
Substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
For extra flavor, marinate the tilapia in the garlic butter sauce for 15-20 minutes before baking.

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