Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is like a culinary hug; it’s warm, inviting, and oh-so-delicious. Imagine the aroma of buttery garlic wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon. It’s enough to make anyone curious about what’s cooking!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What sides pair well with Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia?
- Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
- How long should I bake tilapia?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want to impress but don’t want to stress. Picture this: your family gathers around the table, eyes wide with anticipation as they eagerly await that first bite. Trust me, once you serve up this delectable tilapia, they’ll be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip it up in no time
- The flavor profile combines zesty lemon and savory garlic for a mouthwatering experience
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and vibrant colors, it makes any meal feel special
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners or fancy gatherings
The first time I made Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia, my friends went wild over it at a dinner party. Their compliments kept coming—so much so that I started charging for samples!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Tilapia Fillets: Fresh or frozen fillets work well; just ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning; it enhances flavor without overwhelming.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth; avoid powdered garlic if possible for the best taste.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best zing; bottled juice lacks that fresh brightness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness; dried parsley can work in a pinch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your personal taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Preheat your oven : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking dish. A little nonstick spray will help prevent sticking later on.
Prepare the tilapia : Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in your baking dish. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the garlic butter : In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until bubbly. Mix in minced garlic and half of the lemon juice.
Coat the fish : Pour the melted garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of that garlicky goodness.
Add lemon slices : Place thin lemon slices atop each fillet for an extra zing! It not only looks pretty but enhances flavor too.
Bake until flaky : Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork. Don’t forget to admire that beautiful golden crust!
Top with parsley : Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each fillet before serving—because we eat with our eyes first!
Enjoy your meal: Serve immediately with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or rice. Get ready for some serious compliments!
Now you’re equipped to create a culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen! Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it brings smiles around the dinner table every time!
You Must Know
- Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is a quick, healthy dinner option
- The zesty lemon and buttery richness transform this mild fish into something extraordinary
- Perfect for busy weeknights, it can be served with rice or vegetables, making it a versatile dish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the tilapia fillets while the oven heats up; this keeps everything seamless and efficient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the herbs! Try dill or parsley instead of thyme for a different flavor profile. Adding capers can also give an exciting twist to the classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain its delicate texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To perfectly enhance your Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia, consider these tips
- Choosing fresh ingredients elevates the dish’s flavor significantly
- Remember to season generously; it makes all the difference!
- Baking on parchment paper prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup
I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; everyone raved about how delicious and zesty it was, which made my heart swell with pride.
FAQ
What sides pair well with Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia?
Roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes complement this dish beautifully.
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and baking.
How long should I bake tilapia?
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of lemon with the richness of garlic butter, resulting in a meal that’s both simple and impressive. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe ensures your family and friends will be asking for more. With its flaky texture and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 pound total)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, melt butter in the microwave or stovetop; mix in minced garlic and half of the lemon juice.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the fillets, ensuring even coverage.
- Top each fillet with lemon slices for added flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
