Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia – Light, Flaky, Fresh, and Ready in Minutes

When it comes to effortless weeknight dinners, few recipes deliver flavor, speed, and simplicity like Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia. This dish is the perfect example of how a handful of everyday ingredients—lemons, garlic, butter, olive oil, and a little seasoning—can transform a mild, flaky piece of fish into something bright, aromatic, and satisfying. The best part? Everything bakes together in less than 15 minutes, and clean-up is minimal. It’s healthy, family-friendly, and dependable enough to become a staple in your kitchen.

Tilapia is a favorite for home cooks because it’s accessible, versatile, and incredibly forgiving. Even if you’re not confident cooking seafood, tilapia makes the process easy. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavors beautifully, and flakes perfectly every time. And when paired with lemon and garlic—a classic kitchen duo—the result is a dish that tastes far more elegant than the effort required.

This Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia recipe is all about simplicity done right. You’re not breading anything, frying anything, or marinating overnight. You’re simply creating a buttery garlic-lemon drizzle, layering your tilapia in a dish, seasoning well, and letting the oven do the work. As it bakes, the fish absorbs the bright acidity of the lemon, the savory depth of the garlic, and the richness of melted butter. Each bite is tender and moist, with a fresh citrus lift that keeps things light.

Another reason this dish is so beloved is its versatility. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even tossed into pasta. It pairs effortlessly with healthy sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp salad, but can also feel indulgent when served over creamy risotto or buttery garlic noodles. And because it is naturally gluten-free and packed with lean protein, it fits into just about any eating style.

The simplicity of tilapia also makes it great for feeding picky eaters. It doesn’t have the strong flavor of many other fish, making it approachable for those who are still warming up to seafood. And when smothered in lemon-garlic butter? You’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the dinner table.

In today’s recipe, we’re baking the tilapia with a blend of lemon juice, fresh garlic, melted butter, olive oil, and a hint of paprika for warmth and color. As the fish cooks, its juices mingle with the sauce, creating a built-in pan sauce that is perfect for spooning over the top at serving time. The result is ultra-moist tilapia that lifts easily with a fork and melts in your mouth.

Let’s get into it—your new go-to weeknight seafood recipe awaits.

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Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for serving)
• Lemon slices for baking and garnish

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven.
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the lemon-garlic mixture.
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Arrange the tilapia.
   Lay tilapia fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. Pat them dry with a paper towel for better seasoning adherence.
4. Coat the fish.
   Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the fillets. Use the back of a spoon or a brush to ensure each piece is fully coated. Add lemon slices on top for added aroma.
5. Bake until flaky.
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Thicker fillets may take slightly longer.
6. Garnish and serve.
   Spoon some of the pan juices over the fillets, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

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Tips & Tricks

• Do not overcook tilapia. It cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long.
• Bring the fish to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
• Add a little honey to the sauce if you want a hint of sweetness to balance the lemon.
• Use parchment or foil for easy cleanup and to keep fish moist.
• Frozen tilapia works perfectly—just thaw and pat dry first.

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Variations

• Garlic Parmesan Tilapia: Add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan to the sauce.
• Spicy Lemon Tilapia: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Cajun Tilapia: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning for a bold flavor.
• Mediterranean Tilapia: Add capers, olives, tomatoes, and oregano.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with buttered rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
• Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or steamed broccoli
• Serve over angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs
• Make tilapia bowls with rice, avocado, and mixed greens
• Spoon over extra sauce from the pan for maximum flavor

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked fillets for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently at 300°F (150°C) until heated through to avoid drying out.

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FAQ

Can I use another type of fish?
Yes—cod, halibut, flounder, or haddock all work beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

How do I know when tilapia is done?
It should easily flake and turn white all the way through.

Is tilapia healthy?
Yes—it’s low-calorie, high-protein, and low-fat.

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History / Fun Facts

Tilapia has been enjoyed for thousands of years and was famously raised in ancient Egypt. Its mild taste and affordability have made it one of the most popular seafood choices in the United States. The lemon-garlic flavor pairing dates back centuries and is widely considered one of the most classic combinations in seafood cooking. This recipe brings those timeless flavors together in a modern, easy-to-make dish loved by home cooks everywhere.