Baked Tilapia is a light, flaky, and flavorful seafood dish that comes together in just minutes. With a simple garlic butter lemon sauce, this easy baked tilapia recipe delivers bright citrus flavor and tender texture, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
If you’re looking for a healthy baked fish recipe that’s both simple and delicious, this one is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 25 minutes
- Light, flaky, and tender texture
- Fresh lemon garlic butter flavor
- Healthy and protein-rich
- Perfect for quick weeknight meals
This oven baked tilapia is simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough for guests.
Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of and around the fish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is fork-tender and flakes easily.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This Baked Tilapia is best served immediately while warm and juicy.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat fish dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
- Do not overbake—tilapia cooks quickly and can dry out.
- For extra crisp edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Add a splash of olive oil if you prefer less butter.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, Low Carb, Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
- Add capers for extra briny flavor.
- Substitute tilapia with cod or haddock if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 15g
FAQ
How do I know when tilapia is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
Can I make baked tilapia ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What sides go best with baked tilapia?
Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad pair well.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked tilapia for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F to prevent drying out.
Similar Recipes
Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce tilapia fillets
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Juice and zest from 1/2 lemon
- 1 lemon sliced into rounds
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat tilapia fillets dry and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in a small baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of and around the fish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is fork-tender and flakes easily.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- This Baked Tilapia is best served immediately while warm and juicy.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
Baked Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish perfect for any night of the week. With its buttery lemon garlic sauce and flaky texture, this easy baked tilapia recipe will become a reliable go-to in your kitchen.