Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender fish fillets with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the tilapia is seasoned with aromatic spices and baked to flaky perfection, then garnished with fresh lemon slices, red pepper flakes, and parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 (6-oz) tilapia fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon slices
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare your ingredients by measuring and chopping as needed.
- Season fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each fillet with salt, pepper, ground paprika, and dried oregano evenly.
- Make butter mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, the grated zest of half a lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon), and all the juice from the lemon. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Bake: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the buttered baking dish. Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the fish. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with lemon slices, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the tilapia fillets to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute dried oregano with fresh if preferred; use about 1 teaspoon fresh oregano.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes used as garnish.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and zest for added brightness.
