Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
A quick, flavorful dish that transforms tender tilapia fillets into a comforting meal with a luscious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed) Fresh is best, but frozen works too!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is a lovely choice.
- to taste Salt Use sea salt for a lovely burst of flavor.
- to taste Pepper Freshly cracked for a better bite.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Regular butter works here, too.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Freshly minced yields the best taste.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Add a kick of freshness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest For extra citrusy aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) Parsley brightens the dish.
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional) Gives color and mild heat.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Adds a delicious creaminess.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat down the tilapia fillets with paper towels, absorbing any excess moisture. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil, sprinkling salt and pepper generously on both sides. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and paprika if using. Let that sauce simmer and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
Bake the Tilapia
- Generously pour the garlic butter sauce over the seasoned fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Once done, garnish with more parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
Serve over rice or alongside mixed greens for a complete meal. Consider freezing any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two months.