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–+ servings

California-Style Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

This quick and easy baked tilapia is bathed in a rich lemon butter sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Fish & Seafood, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice from a Meyer lemon if available
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Meyer lemon thinly sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Season them evenly with salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the fish. Tuck a few lemon slices under the fillets and lay the remaining slices on top.
  4. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 11 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 450mgSugar: 1g

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a 300°F oven to avoid drying out the fish. This recipe is perfect for meal prep; pair with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. Avoid over-baking, as tilapia can become dry; check for doneness at the 11-minute mark. For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.

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