Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

Last updated on November 23rd, 2025 at 08:30 pm

Flaky, flavorful, and ready in 25 minutes!

Looking for a quick and delicious fish dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but takes less than 30 minutes at home? This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is a total weeknight win. With flaky tilapia, rich garlic butter, and a touch of citrus, this dish is packed with flavor yet incredibly light. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy fish recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings or festive family dinners. Serve it with veggies, rice, or a big side salad for a balanced, comforting plate that feels special but requires almost no fuss.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you need a fail-proof seafood recipe, this one’s for you. The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and full of lemony brightness—an ideal match for tilapia’s tender texture. The fast bake time and minimal ingredients make it perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein! Bonus: no complicated tools or cleanup nightmares. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a lighter main for a festive gathering, this dish fits the bill.

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

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

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📝 Ingredients List

For the Tilapia:

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

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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✨ 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.”

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or dish

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prep the Tilapia:
Pat the fillets dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay them on a lined baking sheet.

3. Make the Sauce:
Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté 1–2 min. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, paprika, and Parmesan. Simmer briefly.

4. Coat the Fish:
Pour sauce over fillets evenly.

5. Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily and turns opaque.

6. Garnish & Serve:
Top with more parsley and a squeeze of lemon. 🍋🧄🥄

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💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Substitutions: No tilapia? Use cod, flounder, or even salmon!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Cook in bulk and portion with rice or steamed veggies.
• Serving Ideas: Excellent with garlic rice, roasted asparagus, or even tucked into tacos with slaw.

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🍽️ It’s Your Turn to Cook!

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia delivers that flavor-packed, satisfying dinner you crave—with a light, zesty twist. Whether you’re making dinner for two or prepping meals ahead, it’s a surefire winner that comes together fast and leaves you feeling nourished, not stuffed. The vibrant lemon garlic butter paired with tender tilapia creates an easy-yet-elevated main dish for any fall gathering or comfort meal. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how effortlessly it turns out every single time.

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📊 Nutrition Information

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.