Oven-Baked Tilapia: Simple, Flavorful, and Foolproof
Lean protein meets bold citrus and herb aromas for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Delicious, flaky fish doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Oven-baked tilapia is the ultimate answer for anyone craving a healthy, satisfying, and speedy meal. With minimal prep, everyday spices, and a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce, you can serve up impressive flavor on even your busiest nights.
Why Choose Tilapia?
Tilapia is a mild, white-fleshed fish that easily takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with. Its firm texture makes it perfect for baking, and it’s widely available in supermarkets year-round. Thanks to its neutral flavor, tilapia is ideal for both kids and adults, especially when dressed up with zesty citrus and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
For the classic oven-baked tilapia with lemon and garlic butter, you’ll need just a few staples. This recipe serves four but scales easily:
- 4 (6-oz.) tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Season tilapia fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Arrange the fillets in a small baking dish so they fit in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour this garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets.
- Lay the lemon slices on top and around the fish for maximum flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is tender, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a burst of fresh color and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This baked tilapia is as versatile as it is quick. Pair it with easy sides to round out your meal:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice for simple comfort.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Simple salads such as chopped cucumber-tomato or arugula tossed with lemon dressing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Tilapia
- Pat tilapia dry with paper towels before seasoning; this helps the butter sauce adhere.
- Choose similar-sized fillets so they bake evenly and finish at the same time.
- If you prefer spicy fish, add extra red pepper flakes or a thin slice of fresh jalapeño.
- For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese during the last 3-4 minutes of baking.
Tilapia Recipe Variations
| Variation | Flavor Profile | Prep Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa | Bold, spicy, and fruity | Rub fillets with Cajun seasoning, air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, serve with mango salsa. |
| Pan-Fried Tilapia | Crispy and savory | Dredge fish in seasoned flour, fry in olive oil until golden and crisp. |
| Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia | Buttery and nutty | Coat fillets in mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley; bake until golden and flaky. |
| Herb-Crusted Tilapia | Fresh and aromatic | Top with chopped dill, basil, or thyme before baking. |
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tilapia keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent drying out, reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Microwaving is possible, but the oven yields better texture.
Other Delicious Weeknight Dinners
- Chicken & Rice Casserole
- Chicken Burgers
- Bulgogi
- Spicy Chicken Taquitos
- 30 Side Dishes For Hot Dogs
- 30 Easy Cold Dinner Ideas
- 60 Summer Potluck Recipes
- How To Cook Pasta Perfectly Al Dente
- Weeknight Dinners For July
- Braised Chicken Thighs
- Gorditas
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
Browse these recipes for speedy inspirations and keep your dinner table exciting any night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen fillets completely and pat dry before baking for the best texture and even cooking.
Q: Is tilapia a sustainable choice?
A: Most U.S.-farmed tilapia is considered a good sustainable option. Always look for responsibly sourced fish and check packaging for certifications if possible.
Q: What can I substitute for butter?
A: Olive oil works beautifully as a substitute for butter. It gives the dish a slightly different but equally delightful flavor.
Q: Can I prepare this tilapia recipe ahead?
A: You can season and assemble the fish with the sauce a few hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then proceed as normal.
Q: How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?
A: The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Its internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Q: What other herbs can I use instead of parsley?
A: Dill, chives, basil, and cilantro all complement baked tilapia nicely. Freshly chopped or dried herbs work well.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1 (6-oz.) fillet |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
*Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Tell Us How It Turned Out!
We love hearing how recipes work in your kitchen. Did you try any variations? Share your tips and reviews in the comments below—your experience helps fellow home cooks!
References
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