This Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to make something elegant with minimal effort. The delicate, mild flavor of tilapia is enhanced by a simple yet delicious lemon garlic butter sauce. This combination of rich, buttery goodness and the fresh, zesty brightness of lemon results in a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
The tilapia fillets bake to perfection in just 25 minutes, making them flaky and tender. The addition of paprika adds a slight warmth and vibrant color, while the parsley provides a subtle herbal freshness. This recipe pairs well with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad, making it an ideal meal for those who want something wholesome and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Arrange the Tilapia:
- Lay the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the fillets are evenly spaced so they cook evenly.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful sauce that will coat the fish.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Fish:
- Pour the butter and lemon mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring each fillet is well-coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Tilapia:
- Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with extra parsley or a lemon wedge for added freshness.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Tilapia
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic. Bottled lemon juice can be more acidic and overpowering, while fresh lemon juice offers a bright, zesty flavor.
- Don’t Overbake the Fish: Tilapia cooks quickly, and overbaking can cause it to become dry. Keep an eye on the fish, and once it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready to serve.
- Add Extra Flavor with Herbs: While this recipe uses parsley, you can experiment with other herbs like dill, thyme, or basil to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Serve Immediately: Fish is best served fresh out of the oven. If you leave it sitting too long, the tilapia may lose some of its tenderness and moisture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Baked Tilapia Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 35 minutes, including prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but still want a delicious and nutritious meal.
- Healthy and Light: Tilapia is a low-calorie, lean protein source, and baking it with a lemon garlic butter sauce keeps the dish light while still being flavorful. It’s a great option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to create a meal that tastes like you spent hours preparing. The combination of butter, lemon, garlic, paprika, and parsley enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it.
- Versatile Pairings: This dish can be paired with a wide variety of sides, making it versatile for different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes, this baked tilapia is a great main course that complements many flavors.
- Elegant Yet Simple: The lemon garlic butter sauce gives the dish an elegant touch, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more special occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown and Their Benefits
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients used in this recipe:
- Tilapia: Tilapia is a mild, white fish that’s low in calories and high in protein. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals like B12, phosphorus, and selenium. Its mild flavor makes it a perfect canvas for a variety of seasonings and sauces.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the dish, ensuring that the tilapia stays tender and flavorful during baking. The melted butter also helps to carry the flavors of the garlic, lemon, and paprika, making each bite taste luxurious.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon brings a bright, tangy flavor to the dish that balances the richness of the butter. The acidity of the lemon also helps to cut through the fat and enhances the overall taste of the tilapia.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a savory, aromatic quality to the dish. It complements both the butter and lemon, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Parsley: Dried parsley adds a light herbal note that pairs well with the other ingredients. You can use fresh parsley for an even brighter flavor if desired.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a subtle warmth and gives the tilapia a beautiful golden color. While it’s mild in flavor, it enhances the dish’s appearance and adds a hint of spice.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the tilapia and round out the other ingredients in the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Tilapia
This baked tilapia recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with your baked tilapia:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Light and healthy options like steamed broccoli, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts are great choices to balance out the buttery richness of the fish.
- Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous adds a nice texture and makes the meal more filling. You can drizzle some of the leftover lemon butter sauce over the grains for added flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the tilapia alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The soft, buttery potatoes pair wonderfully with the tender fish.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can help refresh the palate and lighten up the meal. Add ingredients like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for extra freshness.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re looking for a more indulgent side, garlic bread is a tasty option to soak up any leftover lemon garlic butter sauce.
Health Benefits of Tilapia
Tilapia is an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal. Here’s why:
- Low in Calories: With just 210 calories per serving, this baked tilapia dish is a light option that won’t weigh you down.
- High in Protein: Tilapia is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Each serving provides a good amount of lean protein without added fats.
- Rich in Omega-3s: While tilapia is not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as some other fish like salmon, it still provides a moderate amount, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Loaded with Nutrients: Tilapia is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, which supports brain function, and phosphorus, which is important for bone health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
- Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely before baking to ensure even cooking.
- How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
- Tilapia is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can become dry and tough.
- Can I make this dish with other types of fish?
- Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild white fish like cod, halibut, or haddock. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
Conclusion: A Simple, Flavorful Baked Tilapia Dish for Any Occasion
This Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter is the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something quick, easy, and full of flavor. With minimal prep and a cooking time of just 25 minutes, this dish is not only convenient but also healthy and delicious. The rich lemon garlic butter sauce infuses the tilapia with tangy, savory flavors, making it a hit with both seafood lovers and those who are new to cooking fish.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight meal or a special dinner, this baked tilapia recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.