Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

Name: Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 lemon (sliced into rounds); Chopped parsley (to garnish)

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Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is fresh, flavorful, and ready in a flash. You can easily prepare garlic butter tilapia in oven in about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for weeknights and busy families. This easy baked tilapia recipe combines tender white fish with lemon, garlic and butter for a succulent dinner the whole family will love.

Finished easy oven baked tilapia recipe in a baking dish with forks.

Garlic butter tilapia is made with fresh ingredients that allow the sweet flavor of the fish to shine. Not only is the easy baked tilapia recipe bursting with flavor, but it’s also low carb, gluten free and keto-friendly. Garlic butter oven baked tilapia is flakey, tender and perfect for times when you crave a light and nutritious dinner.

If you love garlic, try my Roasted Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers or Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Tilapia

It’s so fast. Making garlic butter tilapia is as simple as prepping the dish and popping it in the oven. You’ll be enjoying flakey white fish in under 20 minutes.
It’s Nutritious. Fish is high in protein and very filling.
It’s mild in flavor. Tilapia is mild in taste, so it’s not overwhelming. It’s the perfect fish for those who aren’t sure if they like fish.

Garlic Butter Tilapia Ingredients

Ingredients needed for garlic butter oven baked tilapia.

Tilapia Filets: Select four tilapia filets that are similar in size and thickness. You can substitute any mild white fish.
Butter: use melted, unsalted butter.
Garlic: Fresh garlic will be the most flavorful, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch.
Lemon: Use lemon juice and lemon zest from a fresh lemon and lemon slices for garnish.
Paprika: We used sweet paprika, but you can substitute smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add more or less depending on how spicy you like your food.
Salt and Black pepper: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Chopped parsley: to garnish.

How To Make Oven Baked Tilapia

Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Pat dry the tilapia filets with a kitchen towel and keep them aside.

How to make the garlic butter sauce for tilapia in oven.

Make the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix to combine.

How to prepare the garlic butter tilapia in oven.

Arrange and bake. Arrange the lemon slices in a 9X13 baking dish and place the tilapia fillet on top. Pour the prepared garlic butter over the fillet and bake the tilapia for 10-15 minutes until they are cooked and look opaque.
Garnish and serve. Arrange the tilapia on a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon slices.

Tips To Bake Tilapia In Oven

Look for filets that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking.
Use cod or halibut if you can’t find tilapia.
Most tilapia is sold without the skin, but it can be bitter, so be sure to remove it if it is included.
If one end of the filet is much thinner than the other, you can fold it under to help the fish cook more evenly.
Thoroughly dry the tilapia with paper towels before placing it in the baking dish.
Fish cooks quickly, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
Fish should flake easily and be opaque in color when it is done.
Fish should be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Want a golden crust? Broil the fish for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Easy baked tilapia recipe on a plate with asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tilapia good for you?

Wild-caught fish is generally thought to be more nutritious. Tilapia is often farm-raised. However, like most fish, tilapia is high in protein, making it an excellent addition to any meal.

How To store and reheat tilapia?

While it is best enjoyed right away, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a dish and cover with foil. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Can I freeze garlic butter tilapia?

Flash-freeze the cooled fish on a baking tray before transferring the filets to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350-degree F oven.

What to serve with garlic butter oven baked tilapia?

Tilapia is fresh and flavorful and pairs really well with Parmesan Herbed Potatoes or Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes. Serve with fresh steamed vegetables, Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad.

A fork flakes a garlic butter tilapia filet on a plate.

More Garlicky Seafood Recipes

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