Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

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Craving a tasty fish dinner that’s quick and easy? Garlic butter oven-baked tilapia is the answer! This dish takes just 22 minutes from start to finish and packs a flavorful punch. You’ll love the tender fish smothered in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce.

It’s simple to make. Just mix up a butter sauce, pour it over the fish, and pop it in the oven. In minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty garlic butter oven-baked tilapia:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For serving:

• Extra chopped parsley
• Lemon wedges

You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. The star of the dish is the tilapia, so try to get the freshest fillets you can find.

Remember, you can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add a pinch more paprika.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with melted butter.

Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in the baking dish in a single layer.

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the fillets. Make sure each one is well coated.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.

For a golden finish, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Take the tilapia out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy your tasty, flaky garlic butter tilapia!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this garlic butter tilapia recipe. Try these tasty swaps and additions:

Fish options:

• Cod
• Halibut
• Salmon
• Trout

Herbs to try:

• Dill
• Thyme
• Basil
• Cilantro

Spice it up with:

• Red pepper flakes
• Cajun seasoning
• Old Bay seasoning

For a crunchier top, sprinkle on some breadcrumbs or crushed nuts before baking. You can also add veggies like cherry tomatoes or asparagus to the baking dish for a complete meal.

Want a creamy sauce? Mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the garlic butter. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter.

Try cooking in foil packets for easy cleanup. Just wrap each fillet with the sauce and some veggies in foil before baking. This method is great for camping or grilling too!

Remember to adjust cooking times if you use thicker fish fillets or add extra ingredients. Keep an eye on your dish to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Choose fresh tilapia fillets for the best taste. Look for firm, moist fish with no strong odors.

Pat the fillets dry before cooking. This helps the garlic butter stick better and promotes even browning.

Don’t overcook the fish. Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like dill or thyme to the garlic butter mixture.

Make cleanup easier by lining your baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

You can store leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the fish in a 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.

Freeze uncooked tilapia fillets for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Serve your garlic butter tilapia with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.