Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe is a delightful dish that combines zesty lemon flavor with rich buttery goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch with nature’s best ingredients. It’s an outstanding choice for those who appreciate a meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 580mg
Why Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fish without the fuss. Tilapia is a lean protein that cooks quickly, making it ideal for those nights when time is short. Its neutral flavor allows it to pair beautifully with a variety of seasonings, while the buttery sauce adds richness that elevates the entire dish. Eating fish regularly can contribute to heart health and is an excellent way to incorporate more Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet.
How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds tilapia fillets (3 to 4)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves (from 5 sprigs)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Heat the oven to 425ºF. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper until well combined. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt. Arrange the fillets in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish, allowing slight overlap if necessary. Spoon the prepared lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, making sure each piece is well coated. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and is cooked through. Remove the tilapia from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the baked fish with the buttery sauce from the baking dish and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
How to Serve Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
This tilapia dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans or asparagus, to create a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
To store any leftovers, place the tilapia in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
- Always pat the fish dry before seasoning to ensure proper flavor absorption.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or dill for varied flavors.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños to the buttery mixture.
Delicious Variations of Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
Try adding a citrus twist by substituting lime juice for lemon juice. For a herbed version, mix in fresh dill or cilantro for a refreshing taste. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using the same garlic butter sauce over roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on the chance to try this Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe. It’s an explosion of flavor that’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite for any day of the week. Enjoy the delightful taste and health benefits this recipe brings to your table!
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Ingredients
Fish & Flavorings
- 1.5 pounds tilapia fillets (3 to 4)
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves (from 5 sprigs)
Serving Suggestions
- as needed Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the oven to 425ºF.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides evenly with kosher salt.
- Arrange the fillets in an even layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish, allowing slight overlap if necessary.
- Spoon the prepared lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, making sure each piece is well coated.
Cooking
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and is cooked through.
- Remove the tilapia from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving
- Serve the baked fish with the buttery sauce from the baking dish and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
