There’s something special about a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia , you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. One evening, after a bustling day in Manhattan, I realized I hadn’t planned dinner. With just a few simple ingredients — many of which I already had — this dish came together effortlessly and had the whole family asking for seconds.
For another easy dinner idea, try our Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast .
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is quick and uncomplicated, making it perfect for busy families, while the garlic butter mix provides a rich and savory taste that everyone will enjoy. You only need about 20 minutes from start to finish, and with minimal cleanup, it’s a weeknight hero. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but the craving for a hearty meal is not.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take the tilapia fillets and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Arrange them neatly in a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this delightful mixture over the seasoned tilapia in your baking dish.
- Bake the tilapia in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is tender.
- Once baked, garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon slices for that fresh zing. Serve immediately for best results
Recipe tips & variations
- Experiment with spices : If you enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can be fun additions.
- Alternative fish : Don’t have tilapia? This recipe also works well with cod or halibut.
- Extra lemony : For a stronger lemon flavor, consider zesting more lemon or adding extra lemon juice to the butter mixture.
Storage & reheating
To store any leftovers, place the tilapia in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For reheating, gently warm in an oven set to 300°F until hot, or use a microwave if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely. If you’re using frozen fillets, just make sure they’re thoroughly thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
What can I serve with garlic butter oven baked tilapia?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a light salad. Consider a side of garlic butter pasta for a hearty meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just check your spices to ensure there are no added fillers.
Recipes you may like
If you loved this tilapia dish, you might also enjoy these:
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
- Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
- Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast
Gather your family around the table and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors of this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia , as it warms both your home and hearts. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds, for garnish
- red pepper flakes, for garnish
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take the tilapia fillets and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Arrange them neatly in a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this delightful mixture over the seasoned tilapia in your baking dish.
- Bake the tilapia in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is tender.
- Once baked, garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley, and lemon slices for that fresh zing. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Experiment with spices: If you enjoy a bit of heat, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can be fun additions.
- Alternative fish: Don’t have tilapia? This recipe also works well with cod or halibut.
- Extra lemony: For a stronger lemon flavor, consider zesting more lemon or adding extra lemon juice to the butter mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg