This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying dinner. Tender tilapia fillets are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned with herbs, and baked to perfection in under 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy seafood recipe that pairs wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy and light – High in protein, low in calories, and packed with flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep – Easy to make ahead and reheat for quick lunches.
- Customizable seasoning – Adapt the herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly – Mild flavor that even picky eaters will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Paprika
- Dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the garlic butter:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the tilapia:
- Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the fillets, making sure to coat both sides.
- Bake the tilapia:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish and serve:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked tilapia and garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Tilapia: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for an herby twist.
- Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the fillets before baking.
- Cajun-Style Tilapia: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Lemon Herb Butter: Add lemon zest and fresh basil for a refreshing, citrusy flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked tilapia in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
How do I know when tilapia is cooked?
Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. It should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I substitute another type of fish?
Yes, this recipe works well with cod, haddock, or flounder. Adjust cooking time for thicker fillets.
What sides pair well with baked tilapia?
Serve it with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter adds a richer flavor and pairs better with garlic and lemon.
How do I prevent the fish from drying out?
Be careful not to overbake it, and baste the fillets with extra garlic butter during cooking if needed.
Is tilapia healthy?
Yes, tilapia is a lean source of protein and low in calories, making it a healthy choice for balanced meals.
Can I grill the tilapia instead of baking it?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
What herbs go best with tilapia?
Parsley, dill, thyme, basil, and rosemary complement the mild flavor of tilapia well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute olive oil or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender fish, rich garlic butter, and fresh lemon, it’s a satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a nutritious, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to impress!
Print
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia is tender, flaky, and packed with flavor from a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy seafood dish that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad—ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. -
Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). -
Season the Tilapia:
Place the tilapia fillets in the baking dish. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure they’re well-coated. -
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. (Thicker fillets may take closer to 18 minutes.) -
Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- Swap tilapia for another white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
- For extra crispy edges, broil the fish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.