Simple Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent tilapia takes center stage in this delightful lemon butter baked tilapia recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Delicate fish fillets nestle perfectly in a rich, zesty sauce that brings out their natural flavors.

The combination of bright citrus and creamy butter creates a harmonious melody of taste that dances on your palate.

Each bite offers a luxurious experience of tender, flaky fish with a golden, slightly crisp exterior.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight meal into something truly special.

The aroma of fresh lemon and melted butter will fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Dive into this easy-to-prepare dish that will surely become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

FAQs

• Is tilapia a healthy fish to eat?

Tilapia is a lean protein source low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. It’s a great option for those seeking a light, nutritious seafood meal.

• Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Just ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning and baking to prevent excess moisture during cooking.

• What can I substitute for paprika if I don't have it?

You can replace paprika with other mild spices like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Each will bring a slightly different taste profile to the dish.

• How do I know if the tilapia is cooked properly?

The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked but still moist and tender.

Why Lemon Butter Tilapia Is a Weeknight Winner

• Baking ensures consistent results, making this recipe beginner-friendly and virtually impossible to mess up.
• Combine basic ingredients like butter, lemon, and garlic to create a restaurant-worthy dish that's bursting with zesty, rich flavors.
• Suitable for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining, this tilapia recipe adapts to any dining occasion with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

• Tilapia Filets: Fresh white fish with a mild flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasoning combination that enhances the natural taste of the fish and provides a subtle warmth.

• Butter, Lemon Juice, Garlic: Creamy butter creates richness, fresh lemon juice adds brightness, and minced garlic provides a robust underlying flavor.

• Lemon Slices, Fresh Parsley: Lemon slices infuse additional citrus notes during baking and create an attractive presentation, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant herbal garnish.

How to Make Lemon Butter Tilapia

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your delicious fish.

This warm setting ensures even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Prepare the Tilapia

Pat the tilapia filets completely dry using paper towels.

Carefully arrange the filets in a single layer within a baking dish, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly.

Step 3: Season the Fish

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Distribute the seasonings evenly across the surface of each filet for consistent taste.

Step 4: Create the Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic

Pour the sauce generously over the tilapia, making sure each filet is thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Add Lemon Accents

Artfully arrange fresh lemon slices both over and under the tilapia filets.

This technique infuses additional citrusy brightness and creates an appealing presentation.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 11 minutes.

The fish is ready when it turns completely opaque and flakes easily with a gentle touch of a fork.

Step 7: Create a Golden Finish

Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes.

This final step creates a beautiful golden crust and slightly caramelizes the lemon slices, adding depth to the dish’s appearance and flavor.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the tilapia.

The herb adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, light flavor that complements the rich butter sauce.

Serve immediately while the fish is warm and delectable.

Pro Tips for Baked Tilapia Perfection

• Remove excess moisture from tilapia filets using paper towels to ensure crispy, well-seasoned fish that bakes instead of steams.
• Strategically place lemon slices both under and over the fish to infuse maximum citrusy flavor and create a beautiful presentation.
• Watch the fish closely during cooking to prevent dryness; tilapia cooks quickly and can become tough if overcooked.
• Whisk melted butter with lemon juice and garlic, then generously coat each filet to enhance moisture and add rich, tangy flavor.
• Add a quick 2-3 minute broil at the end to caramelize lemon slices and create a beautiful golden-brown surface on the fish.

How to Store Lemon Butter Tilapia

• Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days. Ensure the fish cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen tilapia maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 275°F, place fish in a baking dish with a splash of water or butter. Cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Use low power (50%), cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Stop when fish is warm and steaming.

Best Sides for Lemon Butter Tilapia

• Pairing Perfect Protein Partners: Select tender, flaky white fish like cod or halibut as alternative tilapia options that match similar cooking techniques.
• Complementary Wine Selection: Choose crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that beautifully cut through the rich butter and brighten the lemon notes.
• Strategic Side Dish Companions: Craft light, fresh vegetable sides such as roasted asparagus, herbed quinoa, or simple green salad to balance the buttery fish and provide textural contrast.
• Herbaceous Flavor Enhancers: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the finished dish to add bright, green notes that elevate the delicate seafood and complement the lemon butter sauce.

Twists on Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

• Gluten-Free Herb Version: Replace regular salt with gluten-free seasoning and add dried herbs like thyme and oregano for extra flavor complexity without changing the core recipe method.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Style: Swap butter with olive oil, add capers and fresh dill, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining a rich Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut oil instead of butter, incorporate almond milk for liquid component, and maintain the same zesty lemon and garlic seasoning approach.
• Spicy Cajun Adaptation: Mix paprika with cayenne pepper, add creole seasoning, and include chopped green onions for a bold, zesty kick that transforms the original mild flavor profile.

Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter baked tilapia brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal preparation. Delicate fish fillets glazed in zesty citrus and rich butter create a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dining or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 tilapia filets (patted dry)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven to 375°F, ensuring an ideal environment for baking the delicate tilapia filets.
2. Thoroughly pat the tilapia dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, promoting optimal seasoning adherence and preventing unwanted steaming during cooking.
3. Distribute salt, pepper, and paprika evenly across the fish surface, creating a foundational flavor profile that will complement the delicate protein.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely minced garlic until thoroughly combined.
5. Cascade the buttery mixture over the tilapia filets, ensuring complete and uniform coverage, allowing each piece to absorb the aromatic blend.
6. Artfully arrange lemon slices atop and beneath the filets, infusing additional citrus essence and creating an visually appealing presentation.
7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 11 minutes, monitoring the fish’s transformation to a translucent, easily flakable texture.
8. Activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish, caramelizing the lemon slices and adding a subtle crisp exterior.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the filets, introducing a vibrant herbal note that balances the rich, buttery undertones.
10. Transfer to serving plates immediately, allowing the tilapia to showcase its tender, flavor-infused profile.

Notes

• Pat fish thoroughly to ensure a crisp, golden exterior and prevent steaming, creating the perfect texture for your baked tilapia.
• Consider using ghee or olive oil as a butter substitute for those seeking dairy-free or lower-fat options without compromising on richness.
• Pair with light, zesty sides like roasted asparagus or quinoa salad to complement the delicate fish and create a balanced, nutritious meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg