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Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/garlic-butter-oven-baked-tilapia-recipe/