Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

Spread the love

Created on August 25th, 2025 at 03:24 pm

Light, flaky fish in rich garlicky butter

Looking for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy? This Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia is exactly what you need! The tender tilapia fillets bake in just 15 minutes and are smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a burst of lemon and fresh herbs. It’s light, flaky, and full of flavor — all while being incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family or planning a low-fuss dinner for two, this dish is a surefire hit. Plus, cleanup is a breeze thanks to one pan and simple prep. If you’re craving a buttery fish recipe that tastes restaurant-worthy without the hassle, this one’s for you! 🐠✨

⏱️ Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

📝 Ingredients List

For the Tilapia:

4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Small saucepan
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing spoon
Oven mitts

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready. 🔥
Prep the Tilapia: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay them out on a lined baking sheet.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, paprika (if using), and Parmesan (optional). Simmer for 1 more minute. 🧄🍋
Flavor the Fish: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the fillets evenly, making sure each one is coated.
Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with extra parsley and lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! 😋

💡 Pro Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezer Friendly? Not ideal — fish can become mushy when reheated after freezing.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan.
Serve With Style: Pair with asparagus, herbed rice, or crusty bread for dipping into that buttery goodness.

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	240	24g	3g	14g	0g	0g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.