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.