This baked tilapia is buttery, garlicky, super delicious, and cooks in under 15 minutes! No wine or fancy ingredients are required!
Serve it with garlic buttery rice and vegetables for a quick and easy meal.
I love fried tilapia, but baked tilapia is my absolute favorite! All you have to do is season the fish, whisk the sauce and pour it over the fish, and bake. That’s it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tilapia is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- It’s inexpensive.
- Cooks extremely quick.
- It’s delicious as long as you season it generously and pair it with a delicious lemon butter sauce.
Ingredient Notes
- Lemon – If you don’t like an intense lemon flavor, reduce the amount or add just a splash. If you like it extra lemony, feel free to include a little bit of lemon zest. Although the lemon juice of 1 lemon is plenty.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter works; just make sure to add a pinch of salt if using unsalted.
- Tilapia – Fresh or frozen tilapia works; just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Garlic – If you don’t have fresh, feel free to use granulated garlic instead.
- Parsley – Completely optional.
- Paprika – I like to add it for some color, but it’s completely optional.
- Red Crushed Pepper – It adds a little bit of heat! If you’re not a fan, simply omit it.
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish and season them on both sides with Kosher salt and black pepper. For some color, add paprika.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parsley, red crushed pepper, grated garlic, and lemon juice. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt and mix well.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Top Tips
- Make sure to season the tilapia fillets generously on both sides, otherwise, it will turn out bland.
- Want extra flavor? Season the fish with Cajun seasoning or the spices of your choice.
- Don’t overcook the fish, or it will become dry and tough.
How Do I Know When The Tilapia Is Cooked?
One way to tell is through color. If the fish is opaque, then it still needs to cook. Fully cooked fish should be white and flaky. Another way to tell is by using a thermometer. Once tilapia reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees F. it’s done!
Storage
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil loosely. Warm in the oven for 7-8 minutes at 300 degrees F. Or you can, of course, reheat it in the microwave.
More Recipes You Might Enjoy…
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Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3-4 tilapia fillets
- 1 lemon juiced
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 garlic clove grated
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes optional
- ¼ teaspoon paprika optional
- ½ tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish and season them on both sides with Kosher salt and black pepper. For some color, add paprika.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, parsley, red crushed pepper, grated garlic, and lemon juice. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt and mix well.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the fish is fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to season the tilapia fillets generously on both sides, otherwise, it will turn out bland.
- Don’t overcook the fish, or it will become dry and tough.
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