Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a flavorful and easy seafood dish that combines tender, flaky tilapia with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings bright lemon and fresh herbs to elevate simple ingredients into something truly delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, drizzle with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 3: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the tilapia fillets, making sure each one is well coated.
- Step 4: Bake the fish in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Thaw frozen tilapia overnight in the fridge for best results.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
- For a spicy kick, include red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the sauce.
- Swap tilapia for other mild white fish like cod or haddock to vary the dish.
- Serve alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to maintain moisture. You can freeze uncooked fillets wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight to ensure even cooking.
Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, olive oil or plant-based butter can be used as lighter alternatives in the garlic butter sauce.
Print
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish that features tender, flaky tilapia fillets baked in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs. This quick and healthy recipe delivers a perfect balance of buttery richness and bright citrus notes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal or a special family gathering. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this dish is accessible for all cooking levels and serves as a versatile base for various meal pairings.
Ingredients
Tilapia Fillets
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the tilapia evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Tilapia Fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps in achieving a better texture. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the fillets and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Then stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, paprika if using, and optional Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for about a minute so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Pour Garlic Butter Over Fish: Evenly pour the prepared garlic butter sauce over the seasoned tilapia fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout, indicating it is cooked perfectly tender and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fish from the oven and garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Always thaw frozen tilapia in the refrigerator overnight for best texture and even cooking.
- You can substitute olive oil in place of butter for a lighter variation.
- Adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce will add a spicy kick.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Tilapia, Oven Baked Tilapia, Easy Seafood Recipe, Healthy Fish Recipe, Quick Dinner, Baked Fish, Garlic Butter Sauce
