Flavor-Packed Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

Swimming into culinary delight, this garlic butter oven baked tilapia promises an effortless seafood experience that transforms weeknight dinners.

Delicate white fish meets rich, aromatic seasonings in a simple yet elegant preparation.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspire this uncomplicated dish packed with flavor.

Crisp edges and tender center characterize each perfectly cooked piece of fish.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction with this quick protein solution.

Nutritious and satisfying, you can serve this recipe confidently for an impressive meal that comes together in minutes.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs turns this straightforward seafood selection into something truly spectacular.

Cooking Steps for Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400F (200C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Tangy lemon juice
• Smoky paprika
• Sea salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Italian seasoning blend

Stir everything together in a small mixing bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Dress the Fish

Lay tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Using a kitchen brush, generously coat each fillet with the garlic butter mixture. Ensure every inch gets a delicious flavor bath.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Let the tilapia cook for 12-15 minutes. Pro tip: The fish is ready when it easily flakes with a fork. Thicker fillets might need up to 18 minutes of cooking time.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Pull the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve with bright lemon wedges on the side to let diners add a citrusy zing if they wish.

Smart Tips for Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

• Choose Fresh Tilapia: Select high-quality, firm tilapia fillets without any strong fishy smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Master Butter Coating: Brush the garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over each fillet to guarantee maximum flavor absorption and prevent dryness.
• Check Fish Doneness: Test fish with a fork- it should flake easily and appear opaque white throughout when fully cooked, avoiding undercooked or rubbery textures.
• Customize Seasoning Levels: Adjust garlic, salt, and pepper quantities to match personal taste preferences without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.
• Protect Baking Surface: Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking dish to prevent fish from sticking and simplify cleanup after cooking.

Saving Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia for Later

• Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the fish in the oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, covering the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals at 50% power to maintain the fish's delicate texture and prevent overcooking.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in freezer bags, storing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Pairings for Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

• Pair the tilapia with a crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the recipe's bright lemon notes and cuts through the rich garlic butter.
• Serve alongside a fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad with parsley, mint, and cucumber to enhance the dish's herbal undertones and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Add roasted asparagus or green beans with a light lemon-herb drizzle to create a complementary vegetable side that matches the fish's delicate texture and adds nutritional depth.
• Choose a side of buttery, garlic-roasted baby potatoes to mirror the garlic butter sauce and provide a hearty, satisfying complement to the light tilapia.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Variations to Try

• Herb-Crusted Version: Replace Italian seasoning with a mix of fresh dill, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic herb coating.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free seasonings to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Reduce salt quantity, swap salted butter for unsalted butter, and use fresh herbs to enhance flavor without sodium.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for those who enjoy a zesty, heat-packed seafood dish.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia FAQs to Know

• Is tilapia healthy to eat?

Tilapia is a lean protein source low in calories and high in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium. It’s a heart-healthy fish option that can be part of a balanced diet.

• Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thaw the fillets completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better seasoning and browning.

• How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?

The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145F (63C). Avoid overcooking, as tilapia can quickly become dry and tough.

• What can I substitute for tilapia if I can't find it?

Good alternatives include cod, halibut, or sole. These white fish have similar mild flavors and delicate textures that work well with the garlic butter sauce.

Why Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe Is So Popular

• Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires minimal skills and basic kitchen tools, ensuring success every time.
• Lean tilapia absorbs the rich garlic butter sauce, creating a healthy protein option that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Easily adaptable for different sides like rice, salad, or roasted vegetables, making it a flexible weeknight dinner option.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Ingredients List

• Tilapia Fillets: Mild white fish that absorbs flavors wonderfully, perfect for easy weeknight meals. Fresh or thawed fillets work best.

• Garlic, Minced: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the fish. Fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes and helps tenderize the fish.
• Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that brings depth and Mediterranean warmth to the recipe.

• Butter, Melted: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that helps keep the fish moist and adds luxurious flavor.
• Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and beautiful reddish color to the fish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green finish and light herbal note to the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers extra citrus brightness and allows personalized seasoning at the table.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter oven baked tilapia mingles Mediterranean flavors with simple home cooking elegance. Crisp herb-infused edges and buttery flakes promise a quick, delightful seafood experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs / 680 grams total)

Butter and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400F (200C). Create a non-stick surface in a baking dish using a light coating of oil or parchment paper.
2. Craft a flavorful sauce by combining melted butter with finely chopped garlic, tangy lemon juice, warming paprika, savory salt, cracked black pepper, and aromatic Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
3. Arrange the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring each piece receives an even, generous coating of the garlic butter mixture. Gently brush the sauce across the fish, allowing the flavors to penetrate the delicate flesh.
4. Transfer the seasoned fillets to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. Watch for visual cues of doneness: the fish should become opaque and easily separate when prodded with a fork. Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker fillets, which may require up to 18 minutes.
5. Once perfectly cooked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the fish. Accompany the dish with bright, zesty lemon wedges to allow diners to add an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for better sauce absorption and more even coating on the fish.
• Choose fresh garlic cloves instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant, robust flavor profile in the garlic butter sauce.
• For a low-carb and gluten-free option, replace butter with olive oil and add extra herbs like dill or thyme for enhanced taste.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg