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.

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

Description

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe features flaky, tender tilapia fillets seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs. Baked to perfection in the oven, it's a quick, light, and nutritious main course that's perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce and Garnish

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

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the tilapia.
Season Tilapia: Lightly season the tilapia fillets on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Arrange them evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
Pour Sauce Over Fish: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets ensuring they are well coated.
Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the baked tilapia with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
Tilapia cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to keep the fillets tender and moist.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil.
Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 279 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 190 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg