Name: Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets tilapia (fresh or thawed); 4 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons parsley (chopped); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 lemons (juice and zest); Salt; Pepper

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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe. This dish combines the delicate taste of tilapia with the rich, zesty notes of lemon and garlic, creating a culinary experience that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this recipe will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe is not just another fish dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparations. The tilapia fillets are baked to perfection in a luscious lemon butter sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is not only easy to make but also impressively flavorful. It’s light, healthy, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

What We’re Using

For this quick and easy recipe, we’ll be using:

4 tilapia fillets: Fresh or thawed, tilapia is a mild white fish that cooks quickly.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant base that complements the fish.
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat to balance the flavors.
2 lemons: Both the juice and zest will brighten up the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.

Hardware & Gadgets

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather a few kitchen essentials:

Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
Measuring spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Garlic press: Optional, but it makes mincing garlic a breeze.
Citrus juicer: Helps extract every drop of juice from the lemons.

From Start to Finish: Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe

Let’s get started on this delightful Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe! Follow these simple steps for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tilapia cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent the fish from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Mixture

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, the juice of one lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and fragrant.

Step 4: Arrange the Tilapia

Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are laid out in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 5: Pour the Lemon Butter Mixture

Drizzle the lemon butter mixture over the tilapia fillets, ensuring they are well coated. If you like, you can also add thin slices of lemon on top of the fish for extra flavor and garnish.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten up this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe, consider these substitutions:

Butter: Use olive oil or coconut oil for a lighter option.
Red pepper flakes: Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Fresh parsley: Substitute with fresh basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips & Notes

For added flavor, consider marinating the tilapia in the lemon butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Don’t forget to check the fish for doneness; overcooking can lead to a dry texture.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe is great for meal prep! Here are some ideas:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook the fish.
This dish can be served cold over a salad, making for a refreshing lunch option.

Your Top Questions

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. You can also bake them directly from frozen, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

What sides pair well with lemon butter baked tilapia?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as quinoa, rice, steamed asparagus, or a fresh garden salad. For an Italian twist, try it with Lemon Baked Cod.

How do I know when the tilapia is done cooking?

The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The fish should be opaque and moist, not dry.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can enhance the flavor and nutrition of this Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe. Just toss them in the baking dish alongside the fish.

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Bring It Home

This Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The simplicity of the preparation combined with the vibrant flavors makes it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a plate of delicious, buttery tilapia that’s perfect any night of the week.

The bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic combined with the buttery richness create a delightful harmony that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve it with a light salad, over a bed of fluffy rice, or with roasted vegetables, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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