Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful and healthy seafood dish that is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe. This dish features flaky tilapia fillets baked to perfection, bathed in a luscious mixture of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant dinner party. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet while remaining accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia is not just another fish recipe; it’s a celebration of bright flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to it:

• Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can have this delicious meal on the table, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the tilapia to new heights.
• Healthy Option: Tilapia is a lean source of protein, making this dish a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides, like Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

The Essentials

To make this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets: Fresh or thawed, ensure they are of good quality.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
• 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley brightens the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat, but feel free to adjust to taste.
• 2 lemons: One for juicing and one for slices to garnish.
• Salt: To taste, enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
• Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice kick.

Essential Tools for Success

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

• Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the butter and mixing the ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: To ensure you’re using the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Chef’s knife: For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Citrus juicer: To easily extract juice from the lemons.

Build Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to create your Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the tilapia cooks evenly and quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the dish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, juice of one lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds or until the butter is melted. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Fish

Drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the tilapia fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 5: Add Lemon Slices

Thinly slice the remaining lemon and place the slices on top of the fillets for added flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia is versatile enough to suit any season. Here are some serving ideas:

• In the summer: Serve with a light, refreshing Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes and a crisp salad.
• In the winter: Pair with roasted vegetables or a hearty grain side like quinoa.
• For a picnic: Flake the leftover tilapia into a salad for a delicious sandwich filling.
• For a brunch option: Serve over a bed of creamy grits or polenta with poached eggs.

Troubles You Can Avoid

When preparing this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe, consider these common pitfalls to ensure a successful dish:

• Overcooking: Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid dryness.
• Using old ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste your butter mixture and adjust the seasoning before pouring it over the fish.

Save It for Later

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat. Alternatively, you can flake the tilapia and add it to salads or pasta dishes for a delicious next-day meal.

Questions People Ask

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed before baking for even cooking.

What can I substitute for parsley?

If you don’t have parsley on hand, fresh cilantro or basil can be used for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?

Yes! This lemon butter sauce works wonderfully with other mild fish like cod or haddock.

How do I know when the tilapia is done cooking?

The tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Quick Weeknight Wins

If you love quick and delicious meals, here are some recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights:

• Air Fryer Tilapia – Another quick fish recipe that’s crispy and flavorful.
• Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta In 25 Minutes – A comforting and satisfying pasta dish.
• Simple stir-fried vegetables – A quick side to complement any meal.
• Easy quinoa salad – A nutritious base for any protein.

Let’s Eat

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines simplicity and flavor in a way that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress. The buttery garlic sauce paired with the bright notes of lemon creates a harmony that is simply irresistible. Enjoy this recipe and make it a staple in your home cooking repertoire!