Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter: A Fast, Flavorful, Foolproof Seafood Dinner
When you need a quick, healthy, no-fuss dinner, few dishes come together as effortlessly — and as deliciously — as Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter. This recipe is everything a weeknight meal should be: fast, simple, inexpensive, and packed with bright, comforting flavor. With tender flaky fish, a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce, and light seasoning, it’s the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a household staple.
Tilapia’s mild taste makes it crowd-pleasing, versatile, and ideal for layering flavors without overpowering them. Here, it’s the perfect canvas for a simple combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. In just 15 minutes of baking time, you get a moist, perfectly cooked fillet that pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, salads, potatoes, and more.
Whether you’re new to cooking fish or just want a dependable recipe that never fails, this baked tilapia is the answer. Let’s explore what makes this dish so special, how to get perfectly flaky fish every time, and delicious ways to customize it.
Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Works So Well
1. Fast and Fail-Proof
Tilapia cooks extremely quickly — usually in under 15 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Bright, Fresh Flavor
Lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the fish while garlic and butter add richness.
3. Uses Simple, Accessible Ingredients
Everything in this recipe is pantry-friendly and budget-friendly.
4. Kid-Friendly and Beginner-Friendly
Tilapia’s mild taste makes it great for picky eaters and home cooks of all levels.
5. Healthy and Light
High protein, low fat, no heavy breading — just clean, simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon slices for baking, crushed red pepper flakes, dill
Instructions
- Prep the baking dish:
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. - Place tilapia:
Lay the fillets in the dish in an even layer. - Make the sauce:
Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Pour over fish:
Spoon the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia. - Add lemon slices (optional):
Place thin lemon rounds on top for added flavor. - Bake:
Bake 12–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Place tilapia fillets in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the lemon-garlic butter mixture over the tilapia.
- Top with optional lemon slices and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Baked Tilapia
Check for Doneness
Tilapia should flake easily when pressed with a fork. Overcooking makes it dry, so keep an eye on it.
Use Fresh Lemon
Fresh lemon juice gives the best brightness and acidity.
Pat the Fish Dry
This helps the butter adhere and prevents steaming.
Don’t Skip the Garlic
It’s the backbone of the flavor — fresh garlic is best, not powdered.
Use Paprika for Color
Tilapia stays pale when baked, but paprika adds a soft golden color.
Variations
Cajun Tilapia
Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne.
Parmesan Tilapia
Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the butter mixture.
Herb Tilapia
Use a mix of dill, parsley, basil, and oregano in the sauce.
** Mediterranean Tilapia**
Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the baking dish.
Creamy Lemon Tilapia
Whisk 2 tablespoons heavy cream into the butter mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- With garlic rice or quinoa
- Alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus
- Over mashed potatoes
- With a simple garden salad
- With roasted vegetables
- Served in fish tacos with cabbage slaw
Fun Facts
- Tilapia is one of the most consumed fish in the U.S. thanks to its mild flavor and versatility.
- Its name comes from an ancient African word meaning “fish.”
- Baking is one of the healthiest fish-cooking methods because it preserves moisture without adding heavy fats.
