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+ servings

Easy Baked Tilapia with Garlic Butter

This easy baked tilapia recipe features tender fillets topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 22 minutes, it's a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillet tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice preferably Meyer lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat each tilapia fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the butter glaze the fish instead of steaming it.
  3. Arrange the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, and half of the chopped parsley until smooth.
  5. Spoon the garlic butter mixture generously over each fillet, making sure the edges are fully coated.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the butter is bubbling, the edges are lightly golden, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 450mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh tilapia fillets that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Leftover cooked tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to avoid drying out. Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. Avoid overbaking, as tilapia can become dry; start checking at the 10-minute mark.

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