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If you’re craving a light yet flavorful seafood dish that feels both special and easy to prepare, the Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need to try tonight. This recipe balances the delicate, flaky texture of tilapia with a vibrant, buttery sauce that sings with fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of bright citrus, earthy spices, and rich butter, making it an irresistible meal for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends. I promise, once you make this Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. These simple, fresh components come together beautifully, creating layers of flavor and adding that perfect balance of seasoning and richness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s tenderizing the fish, brightening the palate, or giving you a gorgeous golden finish.
- 4 tilapia fillets (5-6 oz each): Use fresh or thawed frozen tilapia for delicate, flaky fish that bakes quickly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and seasonings.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, subtle heat without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Brings a smoky, mild warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the dish with earthy, aromatic notes.
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided): One tablespoon for greasing the baking dish and four tablespoons for the luscious lemon garlic herb butter sauce.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves): Fresh garlic imparts a punch of aroma and bold flavor to the buttery sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon): The bright acidity cuts through the richness and wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 fresh lemon slice (for garnish): Adds a lovely citrusy pop and an inviting look.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a mild kick of heat balancing the buttery sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with color and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To keep the fish from sticking and to infuse a subtle richness, lightly brush your baking dish with one tablespoon of butter. This simple prep step ensures an easy cleanup and a wonderfully moist tilapia fillet.
Step 2: Season the Tilapia Fillets
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning blend perfectly highlights the mildness of the tilapia without overwhelming it. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet for a balanced flavor in every bite. Once seasoned, lay the fillets side by side in your prepared baking dish, creating a single layer to allow even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter and stir in the minced garlic and fresh lemon juice. This luscious butter sauce is the star that brings together the warmth of garlic, brightness of lemon, and the creamy richness that coats the fish beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Coat the Fish with the Butter Sauce
Gently brush or spoon the lemon garlic herb butter over each tilapia fillet. Make sure every inch of the fish is coated to maximize moistness and to infuse it with a vibrant flavor boost. This step makes the fish irresistible once it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your tilapia in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). To avoid overcooking, check the fish at about 10 minutes, then continue baking in short intervals if necessary. The fillets should be tender, flaky, and opaque, with buttery juices gently bubbling around them.
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once baked, sprinkle the tilapia with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, fresh chopped parsley for a refreshing herbal lift, and garnish with fresh lemon slices. These finishing touches not only enhance the flavor but make for an inviting presentation.
How to Serve Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple yet elegant garnish like freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices not only elevates the visual appeal of your baked tilapia but also adds a burst of fresh aroma and brightness with each bite. If you love a little extra heat, a delicate sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a vibrant contrast to the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides such as steamed green beans, garlic roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. For something more hearty, buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf soak up the lemon garlic butter sauce perfectly, turning the whole meal into a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative presentation, serve this Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe on a bed of sautéed spinach or atop a lemon-infused quinoa salad. Drizzle extra lemon butter sauce around the plate, and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality look that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the tilapia fillets to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the fish chilled in a sealed container ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can freeze cooked tilapia by wrapping each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 1 month, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish even on busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftover tilapia in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky texture and luscious buttery sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the frozen tilapia fillets are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and baking. This helps the seasonings stick better and prevents extra water from diluting the flavors.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the bright, natural acidity it brings, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work. Just use it sparingly as it can be slightly more concentrated and less fresh in flavor.
Can I substitute butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a butter substitute for a lighter version, though the rich, velvety texture of butter really complements the garlic and herbs in this recipe. If you opt for olive oil, consider adding a little extra garlic or herbs to boost the flavor.
How do I know when the tilapia is done?
The fish is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. It should look opaque and slightly firm but still moist and tender inside.
Can I add other herbs to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to try fresh thyme, dill, or basil for a different herbal profile. Keep the balance by complementing the lemon and garlic with whatever fresh herbs you love most.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about enjoying a homemade seafood dish that feels elegant but is surprisingly easy to whip up. The Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe brings together fresh, vibrant flavors and buttery richness in a way that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let the bright flavors and comforting textures win your heart just like it did mine!
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Print
Baked Tilapia with Lemon, Garlic, and Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Tilapia recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare tender and flaky fish. Seasoned with paprika, Italian herbs, and a buttery garlic lemon sauce, it’s a quick oven-baked dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 oz each, fresh or thawed frozen)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Butter Sauce
- 5 tablespoons butter (divided: 1 tablespoon for greasing pan, 4 tablespoons melted for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Garnish
- 1 fresh lemon, sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush 1 tablespoon of butter onto a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the Fish: In a bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly on both sides of each tilapia fillet. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted 4 tablespoons of butter, minced fresh garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful buttery sauce.
- Apply Sauce: Brush or spoon the butter sauce generously over the top of each seasoned tilapia fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature at 10 minutes; the fish should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is cooked through. Continue baking if necessary, checking every minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the fillets with optional red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and garnish with fresh lemon slices. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook tilapia to avoid dryness; check temperature early.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor in the butter sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and add a mild heat; omit if you prefer milder taste.
- Can be served alongside steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
