Name: Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried oregano; 4 tbsp butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp lemon zest; Lemon slices, for garnish; Red pepper flakes, for garnish; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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A light, flavorful tilapia dish seasoned simply with garlic, butter, lemon, and paprika—ready in about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and big flavors. You don’t need breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, or cheese—just butter, garlic, lemon, and spices. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly—yet tasty enough to win over picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 tilapia fillets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
Lemon slices, for garnish
Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Season the tilapia with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano, then arrange the fillets in a 9×13 baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture over the fillets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with lemon slices, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Variations

Add extra heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchy topping.
Swap fresh herbs—oregano, thyme, parsley—for your flavor preference.
Serve the fish over rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or in tacos for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Refrigerate cooled fillets in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them solid on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags—use within 3 weeks.
To Reheat: Let thaw if frozen. Preheat oven to 350°F, place fillets in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 8–10 minutes until heated through. Textures may be slightly drier afterward.

FAQs

1. What is the best temperature to bake tilapia?

Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until it flakes easily; internal temperature should reach about 145°F.

2. Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes! Just thaw it completely, pat dry, then follow the same seasoning and baking steps.

3. How do I know when tilapia is done?

It’s done when it’s opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the juices appear milky white.

4. Can I use other fish instead of tilapia?

Absolutely. This simple garlic‑butter preparation works well with cod, salmon, halibut, or other flaky white fish.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. It’s low in carbs, free from gluten and breadcrumbs, making it ideal for keto diets.

6. How do I adjust seasonings to taste?

Feel free to increase or reduce herbs/spices to suit your flavor—add more garlic, increase lemon zest, or kick up the heat with cayenne/crushed red pepper.

7. What sides pair well with this dish?

Great options include roasted or steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to mop up the garlic-butter sauce.

8. Can I bake this in foil packets for easier cleanup?

Yes—wrapping in foil helps retain moisture and reduce clean-up. Just check earlier for doneness as packets may speed cooking.

9. Why is my fish dry after reheating?

Overcooking or reheating without moisture may dry it. Covering with foil and heating gently helps maintain moisture.

10. Is tilapia healthy?

Properly farmed tilapia is nutritious—a good source of protein and omega‑3 fatty acids. However, sourcing matters—choose reputable suppliers for better quality.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and versatile in serving. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and done in under 20 minutes. A winner all around.