Description
This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare tender and flaky fish fillets. Infused with a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce and seasoned with paprika and herbs, it’s a quick and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.
Ingredients
Fish
- 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
Garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and season: Preheat your oven to 400°F. 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 to prepare for baking.
- Prepare garlic butter sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. This mixture will infuse the fish with rich buttery and tangy flavors.
- Pour sauce and bake: Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the tilapia fillets in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish is fork-tender and flakes easily, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the tilapia to maintain its moist and tender texture.
- Adjust garlic and lemon quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- You can substitute tilapia with other white fish such as cod or haddock if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor if available instead of dried thyme and oregano.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
