Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

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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.

tilapia fillet topped with herbs and lemon slices

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!

overhead shot of baked tilapia in baking dish topped with garlic and lemon slices

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.

pouring melted butter over fish fillets

HOW TO MAKE BAKED TILAPIA

  1. 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.
  2. Bake the Fillets. Bake tilapia for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish flakes and is fork-tender.
  3. Serve! Garnish with pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon slices and enjoy!

white baking dish with raw tilapia fillets in garlic butter sauce

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.

overhead shot of baked tilapia in baking dish topped with garlic and lemon slices

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

close up shot of baked tilapia in garlic butter sauce

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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4.75 from 686 votes

GARLIC BUTTER OVEN BAKED TILAPIA

Light, nutritious tilapia fillets are seasoned with garlic, butter, and lemon and baked to perfection.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

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
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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

NET CARBS: 3 g

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

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.

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449 Comments

  1. Jeff says:

    WHAT TEMPERATURE do you cook it at?

    1. Katerina says:

      Hi!
      Youโ€™ll find all the details, including the oven temperature (400ยฐF), right in the recipe card at the bottom of the post, just above the comment section.

  2. Bridget Selotlegeng says:

    Delicious, I added some bay seasoning, red chili flakes. I will be using this recipe from now. Thank you

    1. Katerina says:

      Thank you! The bay seasoning and red chili flakes sound like perfect additions. So glad you enjoyed it! ๐Ÿ˜Š

  3. Stephanie K says:

    I made this with Swai fish. I buttered panko crumbs and finished the top off with shredded grueyer cheese and the buttered panko crumbs and it turned out DELICIOUS! This recipe is a keeper! Thank you!

    1. Katerina says:

      Thank you! I am very glad you enjoyed it!! It sounds amazing with the buttered panko and Gruyรจreโ€”so glad it was a hit! ๐Ÿ˜Š

  4. Flรกvia says:

    I just made it for dinner, we loved it! Definitely doing it again in the future! Thanks for the recipe

  5. Gosia says:

    Fantastic! That is all. Added a bit extra lemon juice since I squeezed it from half a lemon but wowโ€ฆdelicious

    1. Katerina says:

      Love it! Extra lemon juice sounds perfect for a fresh kickโ€”so glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Tanya burns says:

    This recipe easy and wonderful. Love how simple it is

    1. Katerina says:

      So glad you enjoyed it! Simple recipes really are the bestโ€”easy and full of flavor! Thank YOU! ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Charlene Templin says:

    Absolutely wonderful!. This recipes elevates a plain fish to yummy deliciousness..Thank you!

    1. Katerina says:

      Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! Amazing how a few ingredients can take fish to the next level of flavor! ๐Ÿ˜Š

  8. Donna Harvey says:

    Delicious

    1. Katerina says:

      Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. sally says:

    Hi! Can I substitute sour cream for the heavy cream in the creamy lemon recipe?

    1. Katerina says:

      Hi!
      Yes, as long as you whisk it vigorously until completely smooth, and make sure to keep the flame at a medium-low.

  10. Marybeth says:

    This looks delicious! One question: Do you cover it with foil while baking? Or bake it uncovered?

    1. Katerina says:

      Hi!
      Bake it uncovered.