Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter – Light, Flavorful, and Ready in Minutes
When it comes to quick weeknight dinners, few dishes beat the simplicity and satisfaction of baked tilapia. It’s mild, flaky, fast-cooking, and wonderfully versatile. But when you pair it with lemon garlic butter—the golden trio of bright citrus, savory richness, and aromatic freshness—you get something truly special. This Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter is light, flavorful, satisfying, and so effortless that it practically cooks itself.
This recipe captures everything people love about tilapia: its mild flavor that pairs well with anything, its delicate texture, and its ability to take on bold seasonings beautifully. The lemon garlic butter sauce melts into every bite, infusing the fish with richness while keeping it incredibly moist and tender. Fresh parsley adds brightness, paprika lends a hint of color, and a final squeeze of lemon makes the whole dish sing.
It’s the kind of dinner you can whip up on busy nights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want something healthy without sacrificing flavor. It pairs beautifully with veggies, salads, grains, or potatoes, and it’s versatile enough to fit into nearly any diet—low-carb, keto, gluten-free, and pescatarian-friendly.
What makes this dish especially wonderful is how beginner-friendly it is. No frying, no complicated techniques—just season, brush with buttery citrus, and bake. In less than 20 minutes, you have a perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality seafood dinner that feels fresh and comforting at the same time.
Let’s jump into everything you need to make this dish—from ingredients to detailed steps, plus helpful tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage information.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Arrange tilapia: Place fillets on the baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush generously: Spoon or brush the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and add lemon slices.
- Serve hot: Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides.
Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place tilapia on baking sheet and brush with lemon garlic butter.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overbaking: Tilapia cooks fast—check at 10 minutes to prevent dryness.
- Extra lemon flavor: Add thin lemon slices on top before baking.
- Butter variation: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Add depth: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat.
- For frozen tilapia: Thaw fully and pat dry to avoid watery texture.
Variations
- Parmesan Tilapia: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the butter mixture.
- Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Mix fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill into the sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Panko: Add a crunchy topping of panko + Parmesan + butter.
- Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Pair with a green salad and warm crusty bread.
- Serve alongside quinoa, couscous, or lemon herb pasta.
- Great with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Storage Information
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently at 300°F (150°C) to avoid drying out.
- Freeze cooked tilapia for up to 2 months (texture may soften slightly).
FAQ
Can I use another kind of fish?
Yes—cod, haddock, flounder, or swai work beautifully.
Is tilapia healthy?
Yes, it’s lean, low-calorie, and a good source of protein.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Absolutely—cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Why is my fish watery?
Frozen tilapia wasn’t fully thawed or dried before baking.
History / Fun Facts
- Tilapia has been enjoyed for thousands of years—Egyptian tombs depict ancient tilapia farming.
- Its mild flavor makes it one of the most popular fish in American home cooking.
- Lemon garlic butter is a classic French-style sauce that enhances delicate fish beautifully.
- Baking fish is one of the healthiest and simplest cooking methods, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
