Description
A quick and delicious garlic butter baked tilapia recipe that comes together in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Pat the tilapia fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley.
- Spoon the sauce evenly over the fillets and sprinkle with paprika and Parmesan if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and additional parsley before serving.
Notes
For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Use ghee for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American