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Need a fresh, tasty dinner that comes together real fast? Then you’ll love my easy Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia. Seasoned with a classic blend of lemon, garlic, melted butter, and paprika, this simple dinner really hits the spot! And, it’s all done in just 20 minutes.
FLAKY GARLIC BUTTER BAKED TILAPIA
There are so many great recipes for baked fish out there, but I really love this one because, it doesn’t require any mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, parmesan, or other toppings. All you need is lemon, garlic, and butter. Super simple, low carb, gluten free, Keto-friendly, AND flavorFUL. Even picky eaters love this tasty fish fillet recipe.
BUT, if you’re looking for a rich and creamy fish recipe, you have to try my Skillet Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce. 😋
IS FRESH OR FROZEN TILAPIA BEST?
In general, if you have access to fish that has been freshly caught, cleaned, and put up for sale within about 48 hours, then that’s your absolute best bet for quality. Other than that, the likelihood is that any fish you buy has been frozen at some point in order to keep it fresh for transport.
Frozen fish is also processed and frozen quickly after the catch. So you can feel confident that the fish in the freezer case is, in most cases, just as good as the fish at the counter, and maybe even better!
IS TILAPIA HEALTHY?
While wild-caught fish is generally thought to be the healthiest, many food experts say that properly farmed fish is very healthy, and that includes tilapia! Tilapia is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and is a good source of protein.
However, some sources of tilapia are better than others, so be sure to check out the source’s reputation, standards, and the kind of feed they use for their fish.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
- Tilapia Fillets: This recipe uses four medium-sized fillets.
- Salt and Pepper
- Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano, and Ground Paprika: Use regular paprika, not hot or smoked paprika.
- Butter: You’ll need 4 tablespoons, melted.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince the garlic or put it through a garlic press.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest: You’ll need two tablespoons of juice and ¼ teaspoon of zest.
- Lemon Slices, Red Pepper Flakes, and Chopped Parsley: For garnish.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED TILAPIA
- Prepare the Tilapia Fillets. Season tilapia with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano; arrange fish in a 9×13 baking dish. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest; pour over tilapia.
- Bake the Fillets. Bake tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish flakes and is fork-tender.
- Serve! Garnish with pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon slices and enjoy!
HOW LONG TO BAKE TILAPIA
If you haven’t baked tilapia before you may be wondering how to do it properly. Here are a few quick tips for the best baked tilapia:
- Like most fish fillets, tilapia cooks up pretty quickly! You’ll want to check on it as soon as it’s been in the oven for 10 minutes, or even sooner if your oven runs hot.
- The fillets are done when they flake easily with a fork (but aren’t dry).
- If you’re using a meat thermometer, insert it sideways into the thickest part of the fillet. The temperature should be 145°F.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- A Smashing Side: Tender potatoes go wonderfully with baked fish, so I like serving these yummy fillets with a side of my Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Add a green salad, and dinner’s done!
- A Gift of Goodness: You can also get your veggies and starch all baked up at once with these lovely parchment packages: try my Spring Vegetables and Potatoes Baked in Parchment. Feel free to substitute whatever veggies are freshest in your area.
- Sweets to the Sweet: For a sweet follow-up, try serving some Creamy Keto Chocolate Mousse or a plate of My Family’s Traditional Baklava. So amazing!
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS
- To refrigerate, store cooled leftover fillets in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place leftover fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet or platter. Freeze until frozen solid. Then transfer the frozen fillets into freezer bags and push out as much air as possible before sealing. The fillets will keep in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.
- To reheat, first thaw the fish (if frozen). Then place the fillets at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350°F. Arrange the fillets in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. The fish’s texture may be less moist after storing and reheating.
More Fish Recipes
ENJOY!
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GARLIC BUTTER OVEN BAKED TILAPIA
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper,, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons butter,, melted
- 4 cloves garlic,, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon,, sliced into rounds, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes,, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley,, for garnish
- Lemon slices,, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Season tilapia with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano; arrange fish in a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest; pour over tilapia.
- Bake tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish flakes and is fork-tender.
- Garnish with pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon slices. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
I’m doing keto diet right now, I made this tonight and it was delicious!
That’s fantastic to hear! It’s great that you found a delicious recipe that fits with your keto diet! Thank YOU! 🙂
I didn’t have paprika so I supped cumin and chili powder and the whole thing was marvelous! It was a simple but delicious recipe. I’ll make it again!
I’m delighted to hear the substitution worked out beautifully and you enjoyed the recipe! Using cumin and chili powder sounds like a wonderful twist. It’s great to know you found it both simple and delicious. Thank YOU! 🙂
Made as instructed. Side of buttered peas and fresh carrots completed this masterpiece.
Oh, so very good.
It sounds like you created a wonderful meal! I’m glad to hear it turned out so well, and the side of buttered peas and fresh carrots sounds like a perfect complement. Thank YOU!! 🙂
absolutely delicious! i made it for a quick dinner, so didnt defrost the talapia, but just kept it in for 15-25 minutes more til it looked cooked, and its fabulous, i didnt have fresh garlic so i just added garlic powder to the butter, along with the herbs to rehydrate them in the butter, it practically melts in your mouth, will do this again!
Glad it was delicious and your adjustments worked well! It’s great to hear it was a hit and you’ll make it again. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I was a bit concerned reading the 5 star reviews from people who said it looked good but, I took a chance. This is delicious. Not only did it make my place smell marvelous, it also paired well with brown rice and a salad. Yummmm! This is in the rotation now. Thank you so much!
So glad you took the chance and loved it! Pairing it with brown rice and a salad sounds perfect. Happy it’s in your rotation now. Thank YOU! 🙂
We love this recipe!!! Def a keeper!
Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Was not a fan of Talapia, but this recipe was excellent!!! my husband loved it. I added some shallots, an extra garlic, and it turned out great. Served it over wild rice will definitely make it again.
Great to hear you enjoyed the Tilapia recipe, especially since you weren’t a fan before! Your additions of shallots and extra garlic sound perfect, and serving it over wild rice is a fantastic choice. Thank YOU! 🙂
Fairly easy to prepare but really excellent.
I’m very glad you found it easy and tasty! Thank YOU! 🙂
Followed the instructions exactly and it did not have nearly as much flaovr as I was expecting. pretty bland.
If it’s bland, add a little more salt and maybe a crack of pepper. Sometimes, the key to bringing out the dish’s full flavor is adjusting the salt to suit your palate.
Do you cover the 9×13 dish with foil to cover the fish while baking?
Would definitely recommend you cover with foil, especially if you double the recipe. And bake for at least 25 minutes