Garlic Butter Tilapia: Easy & Flavorful Oven Baked Fish

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
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

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to pull off. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up on a busy weeknight but impress guests with on the weekend, too!

The image shows a white bowl filled with three pieces of cooked chicken fillets, each having a light golden brown color with slightly crispy edges and sprinkled with finely chopped herbs and small bits of garlic on top. The chicken rests in a bright yellow sauce mixed with small green herb leaves floating throughout. Thin, round lemon slices with visible seeds are placed on top of and around the chicken, adding a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first made this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe on a whim when I was craving something light but satisfying. The buttery garlic sauce paired with the citrusy lemon zest just elevates tilapia to a whole new level of deliciousness. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat.

Effortlessly Flavorful: The combination of garlic butter and lemon creates a rich, zesty coating that makes every bite irresistible.
Quick and Easy: This recipe takes barely 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without fuss.
Healthy and Light: Tilapia is a lean protein, and baking keeps the meal nutritious without extra oil or frying.
Customizable: You can tailor the herbs and spice level to suit your taste — I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe plays a specific role to maximize flavor while keeping preparation simple and fresh. When you shop, look for fresh lemon and quality butter for the best taste.

Flat lay of four fresh tilapia fillets, a small pile of coarse sea salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a small mound of smoked paprika powder, a small pile of dried thyme leaves, a small pile of dried oregano leaves, a white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a white ceramic bowl with minced fresh garlic cloves, a white ceramic bowl with bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl with finely grated lemon zest, a whole fresh lemon sliced into thin rounds, a small white bowl with vibrant red pepper flakes, and a few sprigs of chopped fresh parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Tilapia Fillets: Mild-flavored and flaky, perfect for baking and absorbing the garlic butter.
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural taste of the fish.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and a lovely color to the dish.
Dried Thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that pairs beautifully with fish.
Dried Oregano: Provides a slightly peppery flavor that complements garlic and lemon.
Butter: Melted butter forms the base of the sauce, delivering richness and helping to tenderize the fish.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with pungent aroma and savory depth.
Lemon Juice and Zest: The juice adds brightness, and the zest ramps up the citrus flavor without extra liquid.
Lemon Slices: Used as a garnish, they brighten the presentation and can be squeezed over the finished fish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended for a little spicy kick.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant color.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I really love about this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tinker with the herbs or add a bit more garlic depending on my mood, and you should feel free to make this recipe your own.

Variation: When I want a Mediterranean twist, I swap oregano and thyme for a blend of rosemary and basil, and a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes adds a fun texture contrast.
Heat Level: Sometimes I add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier version that's really punchy.
Dietary Modification: If you need to cut back on butter, using olive oil works well too — just keep it extra fragrant with garlic.
Seasonal Change: In summer, I like to garnish with fresh dill or tarragon for a garden-fresh vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

The image shows three pieces of raw salmon fillet placed closely together on a white plate. The salmon has a light pink color with a sprinkle of dried herbs and spices covering the tops, giving a speckled brown and green texture. A bright yellow liquid, likely melted butter or sauce, is being poured over the center piece from a container held by a woman's hand, with the liquid glistening as it flows. The background features a white marbled surface that softly contrasts with the vivid colors of the salmon and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Season the Fish

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (about 205°C). While the oven's warming up, pat your tilapia fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the seasoning stick better. Then, sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano evenly over both sides. I like to arrange the fillets close but not overlapping in a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they cook evenly.

Step 2: Whisk Up That Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. This mixture is where the magic happens — it will coat your fish and soak into each bite with wonderful flavor. Pour the sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia, making sure each fillet is well coated.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. Try not to overbake — tilapia cooks quickly, and you want it juicy and tender, not dry.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), fresh chopped parsley, and arrange lemon slices on top for that picture-perfect finish. The colors just pop and the fresh lemon aroma is the perfect final touch.

Top Tip

After making this loaf a dozen times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that take this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe from good to outstanding. Paying attention to these tips will save you from common pitfalls and make your cooking experience more enjoyable!

Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor — it’s brighter and more aromatic than pre-minced versions.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the timer; tilapia cooks quickly and dries out if left too long.
Lemon Zest Is Key: Don’t skip the lemon zest — it adds a concentrated citrus punch without extra liquid.
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is melted but not hot when mixing with garlic, so it doesn’t cook or dull the garlic’s flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish with several pieces of food layered closely. Each piece has a white base with a light golden-brown crust on top, covered with melted cheese that has some browning spots. There are green herbs sprinkled across the pieces, adding pops of color. Small bits of red flakes are also scattered on the surface. The texture looks soft with some shiny, oily spots reflecting light. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon slices. The parsley adds a bright, fresh pop of color and the lemon slices are lovely both visually and for an extra squeeze of flavor at the table. Sometimes I sprinkle on a bit of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, which really wakes up the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up that garlicky lemon butter sauce. For veggies, I often go with roasted asparagus, garlic sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the tilapia over a bed of lemon herb couscous and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. It adds elegance without extra fuss. Another fun trick is to serve it family-style right in the baking dish with wedges of lemon all around — it feels cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It stays good for up to 3 days and tastes great cold on salads or gently reheated. Just keep in mind the fish is delicate, so handle leftovers with care.

Freezing

If you made extra or want to prep for later, you can freeze the cooked tilapia by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight to keep texture intact.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend gently warming the fish in a low oven (about 275°F) for 8-10 minutes to avoid drying it out. You can also microwave on low power in short bursts, though oven reheating preserves the buttery texture better.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of fish for this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe?

Absolutely! While tilapia is mild and flaky, this recipe also works well with other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or snapper. Just keep the baking time similar and check for doneness.

How do I know when the tilapia is cooked through?

Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. Usually, this happens around 10 to 12 minutes in a 400°F oven. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance?

Yes! You can mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature or gently warm before pouring it over the fish for baking.

What should I serve with this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe?

It pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed rice, sautéed green vegetables, or a crisp salad. I particularly recommend asparagus or a lemony quinoa for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

For me, this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe is a total weeknight hero. It’s simple, satisfying, and the flavors hit just right every time. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just need a reliable, tasty recipe to keep in your rotation, this one’s a winner. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—give it a try, and let those garlicky lemony aromas fill your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Season the Fish