Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 48 reviews

This garlic butter oven baked tilapia recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Succulent tilapia fillets are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce before being baked to tender perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon slices, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Fish

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest

Garnish

  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • Red pepper flakes, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the tilapia fillets on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Arrange the seasoned fillets evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until well incorporated, creating a flavorful garlic butter mixture.
  3. Pour and Bake: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the tilapia fillets in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is well coated. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, let the tilapia marinate in the garlic butter sauce for 15-30 minutes before baking.
  • Ensure not to overbake the fish to keep it moist and tender.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder dish.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat