Tilapia with Lemon and Herbs

Tilapia with Lemon and Herbs is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural mild flavor of tilapia with the bright zest of lemon and the aromatic freshness of herbs. Perfect for a quick dinner or a light lunch, this recipe delivers a delicious, healthy meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and healthy — low in fat and high in protein
• Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors from lemon and herbs
• Quick to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes
• Versatile enough for weeknights or special dinners
• Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like vegetables, rice, or salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Tilapia fillets
• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Garlic (minced or granulated)
• Italian seasoning or a blend of fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional garnish: lemon slices, chopped fresh herbs

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the tilapia in the mixture, either brushing or gently tossing to ensure coverage.
5. Cook the fillets:
   • Baking: Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
   • Pan-searing: Cook in a lightly oiled skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
6. Garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add spice with red pepper flakes or cayenne
• Use different herbs like cilantro or basil for a unique twist
• Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a citrusy variation
• Make it buttery by adding a pat of butter to the pan while cooking

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Cooked tilapia can be frozen for up to 1 month
• Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave at low power to prevent drying

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it ideal for healthy meal prep.

What other fish can I use?

Cod, haddock, or flounder are great alternatives.

Can I grill tilapia instead?

Yes, use a grill-safe fish basket or foil to prevent sticking.

How do I know when the tilapia is done?

It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Can I skip the lemon?

Lemon is key to the flavor, but you can substitute lime or orange juice if needed.

What sides go best with this?

Try rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a green salad.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well in a keto diet.

Can I make this dairy-free?

It already is — no dairy required!

What herbs go best with tilapia?

Dill, parsley, thyme, and chives all work wonderfully with tilapia and lemon.

Conclusion

Tilapia with Lemon and Herbs is a beautifully simple dish that delivers on flavor and nutrition. With a short cook time and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something clean and satisfying. Light, flaky, and bursting with citrus-herb brightness, this recipe is one to keep in regular rotation.

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