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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From preparation to serving, this dish takes only 20 minutes, making it ideal for those with a tight schedule.
- Minimal Cleanup: The entire meal is prepared in a single baking dish, reducing the time spent on cleaning up.
- Flavorful and Healthy: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and butter enhances the mild flavor of tilapia, resulting in a dish that's both tasty and nutritious.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, allowing for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tilapia fillets (6 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Lemon-Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
- Season the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the lemon-butter mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately alongside your choice of side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as dill, thyme, or rosemary to the lemon-butter mixture for an aromatic enhancement.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the butter mixture to introduce some heat.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus juices like lime or orange in place of lemon for a different flavor profile.
- Alternative Fish: Substitute tilapia with other mild white fish such as cod, haddock, or sole, adjusting cooking times as necessary based on thickness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow any leftover tilapia to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals until heated, taking care not to overcook and dry out the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, frozen tilapia fillets can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before proceeding with the recipe to prevent excess moisture.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This baked tilapia pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil. Note that this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
How can I tell when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare the lemon-butter mixture in advance?
Yes, the lemon-butter mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using to ensure it can be easily drizzled over the fish.
What other types of fish can I use with this recipe?
Other mild white fish such as cod, haddock, or sole work well with this recipe. Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, adding quick-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced zucchini, or asparagus to the baking dish can create a complete meal. Ensure the vegetables are cut into small pieces to cook evenly with the fish.
How do I prevent the fish from drying out?
To keep the fish moist, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at the 10-minute mark. Covering the baking dish with foil during baking can also help retain moisture.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor,
Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish featuring tender tilapia fillets drizzled with a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy and delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-balanced dinner.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
3. Season the Tilapia:
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Place tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
6. Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley (if desired).
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra flavor: Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the butter mixture.
- For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave on medium power.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
