Super easy lemon garlic baked tilapia made in under 20 minutes. It has a bright lemon flavor with a rich and flaky texture.
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Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
This delicious, light and flavorful dish goes well with so many other side dishes. The marinade sauce browns while cooking with the fish, releasing a garlicky aroma and a sharp citrus note from the lemon juice.
This dish is my go-to easy-baked fish; my whole family likes it! Tilapia is known for being low-carb, making this recipe keto-friendly.
What's in This Recipe?
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Tilapia Fish Fillets. I use fresh tilapia fillets. Though tilapia fillets tend to be uniform in size, the thicker portion of the fillet, known as the "tilapia loins" can be cut in half for a thinner size. I recommend using whole fillets for this recipe, although loins can be used instead.
Tip: If you are going to use frozen tilapia fillets, you need to remember to put them in the refrigerator in advance so that they can slowly defrost.
Fresh Lemon Juice. Lemon juice is needed to make this recipe less fishy taste and smell but brighter and more flavorful in taste instead. You can add lemon zest as well if you like.
Butter. Butter gives the whole dish a tender and buttery texture with some added moisture that makes the fresh fish meat taste delicate. You can use salted or unsalted butter. You may also use olive oil instead.
Garlic. I use fresh garlic to enhance the flavor and aroma of this dish.
Seasonings: I add to the marinade paprika, salt and black pepper.
Parsley. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Step-By-Step Instructions
One: Preheat the oven to 180 C / 350 F.
Two: To make the garlic butter marinade: In a small bowl, mix together garlic, paprika, lemon juice, melted butter, salt, and black pepper and set aside.
Three: Rinse the tilapia fillets well and pat them dry using a paper towel. Arrange them in a single layer on a 20x30 cm baking sheet.
Four: Now, pour the marinade over the Tilapia fillets and then top them with lemon slices.
Five: Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes; garnish with chopped parsley and some red pepper flakes (optional), and serve.
Tip: Tilapia overcooks quickly, so always be mindful of the time. Overcooking tilapia will give you a dry and very flaky texture.
Recipe Variations
- Do you love spicy dishes? Then garnish this with red pepper flakes alongside the parsley.
- If you want this dish to be cheesy, you may add grated parmesan cheese to the marinade mixture.
- You may add some fresh herbs, such as fresh basil or cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile to serve on the table. It goes well with almost anything from simple brown, white, or Chimichurri Rice to Pan Fried Green Beans and Zucchini Pancakes. For a lighter meal option, you may serve it with Cabbage Patties.
Storage
I refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. I don't recommend freezing it, though, as it affects its texture badly.
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Recipe
Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter , melted
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon , cut into thin slices
- 1 teaspoon parsley , chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C / 350 F.
- To make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together garlic, paprika, lemon juice, butter, salt, and black pepper and set aside.
- Rinse the tilapia fillets well and pat them dry using a paper towel.
- Arrange the tilapia fillets on a 20x30 cm baking tray.
- Now, pour the marinade over the Tilapia fillets and then top them with lemon slices.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes; garnish with chopped parsley and some red pepper flakes (optional), and serve.
Jean
Good recipe; I added a pinch of chilli powder.
Cristine
I doubled the recipe and added a tablespoon of honey as well. All my family love it; I will definitely make it again.