Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Tender, flaky tilapia fillets drenched in a zesty garlic butter sauce—this easy, oven-baked recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Serves: 3 to 4
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No stovetop fuss — No oil splatter or flipping, just hands-off baking.
- Packed with flavor — Garlic, lemon, and herbs soak into the fish as it bakes.
- Quick and easy — From prep to plate in under 35 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for extra depth)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or red pepper flakes for heat)
- 1½ lbs tilapia fillets (thawed, if frozen)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, and pepper.
- Pat tilapia dry and season with salt. Arrange fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the fish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and pan sauce.
Tips & Substitutions:
- Substitute catfish, red snapper, or black cod for tilapia—just avoid thick fillets like halibut.
- Use dried oregano in place of thyme if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Storage:
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.