Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

Tender, flaky, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a light weekend dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this wholesome seafood recipe is on the table in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Made with pantry staples and ready in just 25 minutes.
Light & Healthy – Low in calories and high in protein, ideal for a balanced meal.
Kid-Friendly – Mild flavor and flaky texture make it great for all ages.
One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in the same baking dish for easy cleanup.
Versatile – Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Tilapia:
4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish & Serving:
Lemon wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables

Tools You’ll Need
Baking dish or sheet pan
Small mixing bowl
Basting brush or spoon
Measuring spoons
Oven mitts
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well mixed. This fragrant mixture will be brushed over the tilapia.

Step 3: Season the Tilapia

1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Arrange the fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
3. Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure to coat them thoroughly.

Step 4: Bake the Tilapia

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
3. Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional)

1. If you like a slightly golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
2. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute or two.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
3. Plate with your favorite sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp roasted veggies.

Tips for Perfect Baked Tilapia
Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Fish – If using frozen fillets, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Don’t Overcook – Tilapia cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it flakes easily.
Customize the Herbs – Try adding dill, thyme, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist.
Add Veggies – Bake with thin slices of zucchini, tomatoes, or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
Serve Immediately – Tilapia tastes best fresh out of the oven.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Tilapia pairs well with a variety of sides:

Starch Options:
Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
Garlic Herb Quinoa
Mashed Potatoes
Lemon Butter Pasta

Vegetables:
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
Oven-Roasted Asparagus or Carrots
Mixed Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic

Breads & Extras:
Warm Dinner Rolls
Crusty Baguette
Cucumber and Tomato Salad

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Place leftover tilapia in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place tilapia in a baking dish, and cover with foil. Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
Skillet: Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth over low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
   Yes! This recipe works great with cod, haddock, or flounder.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
   Yes, you can substitute olive oil for a dairy-free option with a slightly different flavor.
4. What if I don’t have paprika?
   You can skip it or substitute with chili powder or cayenne for a little heat.
5. How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?
   It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).

Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a go-to dinner option when you want something light, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. With its rich garlic butter sauce and hint of lemon, it’s a dish that feels indulgent while still being healthy. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the family, this easy seafood recipe is sure to please.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your tilapia turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 350mg

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