Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia

This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner that does not sacrifice flavor. The tilapia fillets become tender and flaky as they bake in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness while lemon wedges brighten up each bite with an extra citrus punch. It is easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making it a go-to meal whenever you want something satisfying and light.

I first tried this recipe on a whim when I wanted something light but tasty after a long day. Now it is a regular request at my house because everyone loves the buttery tang and perfectly cooked fish.

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillets: one and a half pounds around three to four pieces — firm white fish that absorbs flavors well and cooks quickly
• Kosher salt: one and a half teaspoons — enhances natural fish flavor without being overpowering
• Freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes: one quarter teaspoon — adds just a touch of heat and aromatic spice
• Unsalted butter: four tablespoons melted — creates the rich base for the lemon garlic sauce, use fresh quality butter for best taste
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: one tablespoon from about half a medium lemon — delivers bright acidity that balances the richness of butter
• Garlic: four cloves finely chopped — key for that punch of savory sharpness in the sauce
• Dried thyme: half a teaspoon — subtle herbal note complementing the fish
• Paprika: half a teaspoon — adds smoky depth and color
• Fresh parsley: one tablespoon coarsely chopped — brightens the finished dish and adds herbaceousness
• Lemon wedges for serving: extra citrus to squeeze over the fish at the table

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Butter Mixture:

Heat your oven to four hundred and twenty five degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is uniform and fragrant.

Prepare Tilapia Fillets:

Use paper towels to gently pat the tilapia fillets dry. Removing moisture helps the sauce adhere and the fish to roast rather than steam. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over both sides of each fillet. Arrange the fillets in a single layer inside a nine by thirteen inch baking dish. It is okay if they overlap slightly but try to keep them mostly flat for even cooking.

Add Butter Mixture:

Use a spoon to spread the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each tilapia fillet. Make sure each piece is coated generously so the flavors soak in while baking.

Bake the Tilapia:

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake the tilapia for eighteen to twenty minutes. You will know the fish is done when it becomes opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the juices run clear.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the fish for a pop of color and brightness. Serve the tilapia hot with the buttery sauce from the dish spooned on top. Add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over as desired for an extra burst of citrus.

Tilapia cooks quickly and absorbs bold flavors beautifully. One of my favorite parts about this dish is how the garlic lemon butter sauce enhances the mild fish without overpowering it. A memorable moment was serving this for a casual family dinner and watching even the picky eaters enjoy every bite. It quickly became a staple due to its comforting yet simple taste profile.

Storage tips

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat without drying it out, gently warm in the oven at low temperature or covered in the microwave in short bursts.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have tilapia, other firm white fish like cod or snapper work well with this recipe. You can swap unsalted butter for olive oil if dairy is a concern but the flavor will be less rich. Fresh thyme can replace dried thyme but use about double the amount by volume for the same herbal punch.

Serving suggestions

Pair with steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to complement the lemony fish. A side of fluffy rice or quinoa helps soak up the buttery sauce. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc enhances the citrus and garlic flavors perfectly.

This recipe balances bright citrus and rich butter perfectly for an easy weeknight meal. Its quick prep and impressive flavor keep it a favorite for any occasion.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I ensure the tilapia stays moist when baking?

Coating the fillets with lemon garlic butter before baking helps lock in moisture, keeping the fish tender and flavorful.

→ Can I use other types of fish for this preparation?

Yes, mild white fish like cod or haddock can be substituted, maintaining a similar texture and taste profile.

→ What temperature and time are best for baking tilapia?

Bake at 425ºF for 18 to 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through.

→ What herbs complement the lemon garlic butter sauce?

Fresh parsley adds color and brightness, while dried thyme offers subtle earthiness to enhance the flavor.

→ Can I prepare the lemon garlic butter mixture in advance?

Yes, mixing the butter, lemon juice, garlic, and spices ahead saves time and allows flavors to meld.