Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe is a delicious and simple dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its bright flavors and tender, flaky fish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the seasonings and accompaniments to suit your personal taste.
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: 32g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 700mg
Why Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe is not only satisfying and flavorful, but it’s also a healthy choice for any meal. Tilapia is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients. The combination of lemon and garlic adds brightness and depth, making each bite utterly delightful. Additionally, this recipe allows for endless variations, so you can switch it up depending on your mood or dietary preferences.
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 delectable dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli would complement the tilapia perfectly. If you want to elevate your meal further, consider adding a side of crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
How to Store Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
Leftovers of Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out. If you want to enjoy the flavors for a more extended period, you can freeze the cooked tilapia for up to two months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Don’t skip drying the fish; it helps the seasoning stick better.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the butter mixture for custom flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- Pair with a side of seasonal vegetables for added color and nutrition.
Delicious Variations of Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe
For those looking to mix things up, consider making a spicy version by adding sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the butter mixture. You could also create an herbed version by incorporating fresh dill or basil. If you want to lean into citrus flavors, try using lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty twist. Vegetarians can enjoy a similar buttery garlic sauce over hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on trying this Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe! Its delightful combination of flavors, simplicity, and versatility makes it a must-have dish in your collection. Delicious, healthy, and quick to prepare, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table.
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
