There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant treat yet comes together in under 20 minutes. That’s exactly the kind of magic you’ll find in Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia. Each flaky fillet is infused with aromatic garlic, fresh lemon, and velvety melted butter, delivering a meal that feels both effortless and elegant. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Every component works overtime to enhance flavor, aroma, or appearance—making each bite irresistible.
- Tilapia fillets: Mild, tender, and quick-cooking, tilapia is the perfect canvas for bold garlic butter flavors.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds rich flavor and helps keep the fish moist and luscious in the oven.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with deep savory notes—don’t skimp on this aromatic essential.
- Lemon juice: A splash brightens the entire dish and keeps the flavors lively and fresh.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and a subtle, earthy color to the fillets.
- Salt: Just the right amount to balance and enhance every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle heat and a bit of complexity to the blend.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on at the end for a pop of green and a fresh, herbal finish.
- Lemon slices: The finishing touch—perfect for squeezing over the fish just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat means the fish cooks fast and evenly, so you’ll get that perfect moist and flaky texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup, or lightly grease it if you prefer. Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer—no overlap, so each piece bakes perfectly through.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, simply mix together your melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This golden elixir does all the heavy lifting for flavor. Make sure the butter is fully melted so it mixes smoothly with the garlic and spices—each ingredient should shine through.
Step 3: Coat the Fish
Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each tilapia fillet. The goal is to coat every surface so the flavors soak in while baking. If you’re feeling fancy, massage the sauce in a bit with a spoon or your fingers—you really can’t go wrong here!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the fish for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. Try not to overbake—this fish is delicate and cooks fast, so keep an eye on it.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the fillets out of the oven and immediately sprinkle on the chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia hot, with lemon slices on the side so everyone can add a bright, zesty squeeze just before digging in.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley looks beautiful scattered over the finished plate, and don’t forget those lemon slices. If you have a few extra herbs on hand, like dill or chives, a light sprinkle can take the flavors to another level. A pinch of extra paprika also gives a lovely pop of color.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is super versatile—think fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even quinoa for something a bit heartier. For veggies, go simple: steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp salad all work wonders alongside the buttery tilapia.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, try serving the tilapia fillets over a bed of wilted spinach, or tuck them into warm tortillas with slaw for a zesty fish taco night. Even layering them in a hearty grain bowl with roasted veggies makes for a show-stopping weekday meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia, place the cooled fillets in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, making them perfect for a speedy lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
Tilapia freezes well—just let the cooked fish cool completely before wrapping each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To gently reheat Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia, place the fillets on a baking sheet, splash a few drops of water or lemon juice over them, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes. This helps the fish stay moist and prevents it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can make the fish rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before baking. Excess moisture from frozen fish can dilute the flavors and prevent the butter sauce from sticking properly.
What can I substitute for tilapia?
If you can’t find tilapia, look for other mild, white fish like cod or haddock. These types work beautifully with the garlic butter sauce and cook in about the same amount of time.
Can I make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan margarine or olive oil. The garlic and lemon still shine and the fish bakes up deliciously moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is naturally gluten-free, as long as you check that your spices and seasonings are certified gluten-free. It’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a wholesome meal.
How do I know when the tilapia is done baking?
Your fish is ready when it looks opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork. The baking time is short, so start checking it after 10 minutes to ensure it stays perfectly moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dish that’s fast, flavorful, and absolutely fuss-free, you’ll cherish making Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia. It’s a meal that feels like a special treat, no matter how busy your day has been. Give it a try the next time you need a little dinnertime inspiration—you just might find yourself coming back to it again and again!
Print
Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish with this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe. Tender tilapia fillets are baked to perfection with a delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets:
- 4 tilapia fillets
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Prepare Fish: Arrange tilapia fillets on the baking sheet.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat Fish: Brush the garlic butter mixture over the fish fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- Finish: Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a side salad.
- Substitute tilapia with cod or haddock if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
