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Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia – Easy and Delicious Recipe

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia – Easy and Delicious Recipe


Description

Welcome to a delightful recipe breakdown of Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia, a dish that’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into making this dish a go-to in your kitchen!


Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 tilapia filets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Extra lemon slices for serving

Optional Substitutions:

  • Butter: Swap with ghee or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
  • Tilapia: Replace with cod, flounder, or haddock if preferred.
  • Spices: Adjust according to your taste; consider adding cumin or coriander for a unique twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Fish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the tilapia filets dry with a paper towel and place them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Season both sides of the fish generously with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and oregano.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until well blended. This sauce is the secret to infusing the fish with rich flavor while keeping it moist.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia filets. Lay lemon slices on top of the filets for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is tender to the touch.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve with additional lemon slices on the side. Enjoy your flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia hot and fresh!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: While pre-minced garlic works, fresh garlic adds a stronger flavor.
  • Do Not Overbake: Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep an eye on the oven to avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring over the fish to ensure it’s balanced.