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Garlic butter oven baked tilapia on a plate with fresh herbs

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

Deliciously satisfying and simple, this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia features tender fillets in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for family dinners and entertaining alike.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fillets Tilapia Fillets Mild flavor and tender texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika For smokiness and color.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Adds a warm, earthy note.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Complements the garlic well.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Makes the dish rich.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, the star of the show.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest For an extra citrus kick.

Garnishes

  • 1 slices Lemon Slices
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes For a spicy kick.
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley For freshness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  • Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.

Cooking

  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice and zest.
  • Place the tilapia fillets in the baking dish and pour the garlic butter mixture generously on top.
  • Bake for about 12-15 minutes, until the tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Serving

  • Remove from the oven and top with lemon slices, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
  • Serve alongside favorite sides like fluffy rice or a fresh garden salad.
  • Dig in and savor the buttery, garlicky goodness!

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Don’t overcook tilapia to avoid dryness. Can substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
Keyword Easy Fish Recipe, Garlic Butter Tilapia, healthy recipe, Oven Baked Tilapia, Quick Dinner