Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

A Flavorful and Easy Seafood Dish

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a quick and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its tender, flaky texture and rich, buttery garlic flavor, this dish is both healthy and indulgent. Tilapia is a mild white fish that easily absorbs seasonings, making it an excellent choice for a variety of flavor profiles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
• Minimal Ingredients: Requires only a handful of common pantry staples.
• Healthy Choice: Tilapia is a lean source of protein and rich in essential nutrients.
• Versatile: Works well with different seasonings, sides, and cooking variations.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or parsley)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and onion powder.

Step 3: Coat the Tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Brush or pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4: Bake the Tilapia

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If desired, broil for an additional 2 minutes for a slightly golden finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the tilapia from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cajun Tilapia: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a bold kick.
• Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: Sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan over the fillets before baking.
• Herb Butter Tilapia: Use a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, basil, and rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Tilapia: Mix ¼ cup of grated Parmesan into the butter sauce before coating the fish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this garlic butter tilapia with:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, or green beans)
• Garlic butter rice or quinoa
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked tilapia in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?

Tilapia is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

What can I use instead of butter?

Olive oil or ghee are great alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, you can pan-sear tilapia in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

What other fish can I use?

This recipe works well with cod, haddock, or halibut.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Marinate the fish for 15-30 minutes in the garlic butter sauce before baking.

Is tilapia a healthy choice?

Yes, tilapia is low in calories, high in protein, and contains essential nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin B12.

What’s the best way to prevent tilapia from sticking to the baking dish?

Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking dish with oil or cooking spray.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini can be roasted alongside the fish for a complete meal.

How do I keep tilapia from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and baste the fillets with additional butter halfway through cooking.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a simple yet delicious dish that brings out the best in mild white fish. With its rich garlic butter sauce and bright lemony notes, it’s an easy go-to meal for seafood lovers. Serve it with your favorite sides, experiment with different seasonings, and enjoy a healthy, restaurant-quality meal at home.

O

Print