Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe is a perfect choice. It’s simple to prepare, full of vibrant flavors, and ready in just over 20 minutes. The tilapia fillets are seasoned with a blend of spices, then baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
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
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your tilapia will cook evenly and develop a delicious golden crust.
- Season the Fillets: Season the tilapia fillets with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This aromatic mixture will infuse the tilapia with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Bake the Tilapia: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the tilapia fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the tilapia, as it can become dry.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the tilapia with red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, and lemon slices for a fresh citrusy touch. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, a light quinoa salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 210 kcal per serving
This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is not only delicious but also an easy, go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It’s a simple way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy!
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Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Indulge in the simple elegance of Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia, a dish that beautifully marries the mild, flaky texture of tilapia with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The addition of fresh lemon and herbs not only infuses the fish with a vibrant flavor but also adds a touch of color that makes this dish as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
This recipe is ideal for those who appreciate a meal that’s both straightforward and sophisticated. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve this delightful dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete, healthful meal that is sure to satisfy.
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
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Arrange in a 9×13 baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour over the tilapia fillets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 210 Kcal