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
Scale
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.
