Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity and bright flavors of this Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe. Perfectly tender tilapia fillets are bathed in a luscious, buttery lemon sauce that’s infused with garlic and a touch of paprika, then baked to flaky, juicy perfection. It’s an absolute weeknight winner, delivering restaurant-quality seafood right to your dinner table with minimal fuss. This dish is bright, fresh, and utterly satisfying, making it a staple that you’ll want to turn to again and again whenever you crave a healthy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor, keeping the fish moist, and adding just the right amount of zest and aroma. These essential components come together effortlessly and beautifully.
- Tilapia fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets, ideally 4–6 ounces each for perfect portions and delicate texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into a rich, creamy base that complements the lemon’s brightness without overpowering it.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings that signature citrus tang that wakes up your taste buds.
- Lemon zest: Adds an extra burst of aromatic citrus oils that deepen the lemony flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Provides a lovely savory undertone that pairs beautifully with butter and lemon.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color to the topping without overshadowing the fish.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural taste of the tilapia.
- Black pepper: A pinch adds a little warmth and complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top after baking for a pop of color and fresh herbiness.
- Lemon slices: Perfect for garnish, making the dish as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and place the tilapia fillets in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and helps each piece soak up that lemon butter sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Your Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This sauce is where all the magic happens — it’s creamy, citrusy, and packed with flavor that’ll make every bite a delight.
Step 3: Coat and Bake
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets. This generous coating keeps the fish juicy and infuses it with mouthwatering citrus butter. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when you gently test it with a fork. This precise timing ensures the fish is cooked perfectly without drying out.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the tilapia with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. The parsley isn’t just for looks — it lends a fresh, herbal lift that balances the richness of the butter. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and lemon slices are perfect to brighten the plate visually and highlight the lemony flavors. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes for an optional mild kick.
Side Dishes
Because this fish is light and flavorful, it pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans, fluffy rice, or even a crisp, refreshing salad. These sides complement the tilapia without competing, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the baked tilapia on a bed of lemon-infused quinoa or alongside roasted baby potatoes tossed in garlic and parsley. Drizzle a little extra lemon butter sauce over the top just before serving to amp up the indulgence factor. Presentation is both inviting and simple, perfect for casual dinners or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 2 days to enjoy the freshness and tenderness of the fish.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked tilapia by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 1 month. Just remember that freezing may slightly change the texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the frozen or refrigerated fish in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, usually about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture flaky and delicious — the oven keeps it moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tilapia is great because of its mild flavor, you can easily substitute cod, haddock, or even sole. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Is this Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as it uses simple, fresh ingredients with no added flour or gluten-containing products. It’s a perfect choice for those watching their gluten intake.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and moist.
Can I add more spices to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or dried herbs like thyme or dill can add a new depth of flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate tilapia.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe is quick and efficient, taking about 10 minutes for prep and 12 to 15 minutes to bake. It’s perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to try this Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and special, yet comes together with such ease. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of buttery richness and fresh citrus that will brighten your table and your mood. Give it a go, and I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your home too!
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is a simple and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and paprika. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it cooks quickly in the oven, resulting in moist, flaky fish garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4–6 oz each)
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Arrange Tilapia Fillets: Place the four tilapia fillets in a single layer in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and fragrant.
- Coat the Fish: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, making sure each piece is well coated to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Add Final Touches: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked tilapia, and garnish with lemon slices for a bright, fresh presentation.
- Serve: Serve the tilapia hot, paired ideally with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad to complete the meal.
Notes
- This recipe is versatile and also works well with other white fish varieties like cod or haddock.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp side salad.
- Ensure not to overbake the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; you can add more garlic or lemon zest for extra flavor.
