Description
This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe features tender, flaky tilapia fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and paprika. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, it offers bright, fresh flavors and a moist texture, making it an easy yet elegant main course that pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Tilapia and Seasonings
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnishes (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the tilapia fillets in a single layer to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Fish: Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Coat the Tilapia: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake: Bake the fish uncovered in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon any remaining sauce over the fish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking to keep the tilapia tender and flaky.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
- For extra flavor, you can add a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American