Delight in tender tilapia fillets infused with a luxurious blend of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest and paprika. This dish offers a refreshing medley of bright citrus and savory flavors, making every bite satisfyingly simple yet sophisticated for a memorable dinner experience that truly delights the palate, abundantly inviting.

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I’m excited to share my Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia recipe with you. I use 4 tilapia fillets, which are a great source of lean protein, and season them with 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 garlic cloves minced, the juice of 1 lemon plus a little of its zest, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.

I always add salt and pepper to taste. This recipe takes only 20 minutes in the oven so it’s perfect for a quick, healthy dinner.

The lemon and garlic really brighten the dish while the paprika adds a nice kick. It’s a simple way to enjoy a nutritious, low-calorie meal that’s also high in protein and flavor.

I love how easy it is to prep and the results are always delicious. Give it a try for a fast fish dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying—trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super simple and fast to make. I mean, in just 20 minutes I got a delicious dinner on the table without too much hassle. I feel like the garlic butter and lemon juice make the tilapia taste amazing, and the spices give it just the right kick. Plus, I like that it doesn’t require a big shopping list – only a few ingredients and I already have most of them at home. Lastly, this dish always makes me feel like I’m cooking up something fancy even though it’s really easy to do.

Ingredients

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Tilapia fillets: lean, high-protein fish with mild flavor perfect for delicate seasoning.
Butter: provides rich, creamy fat that enhances taste and helps seal in moisture.
Garlic cloves: release bold aroma and offer a slight spicy kick, boosting flavour.
Lemon juice and zest: bring healthy vitamin C and fresh sourness that balances richness.
Paprika, salt and pepper: add color and subtle spice, elevating the overall flavor.
This dish features lean protein with vitamins and antioxidants for a balanced, nutritious meal.
Each flavor plays a role in crafting a satisfying dinner experience.

Ingredient Quantities

4 tilapia fillets (about 4-6 oz each)

3 tablespoons melted butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 1 lemon plus a little of its zest

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pat dry the tilapia fillets with a paper towel then place them on the prepared sheet.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and a little lemon zest.

4. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on each fillet then drizzle the butter mixture over them.

5. Evenly dust the fillets with the paprika ensuring every piece gets a light coating.

6. Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

7. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, enjoy your tasty and simple dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – preheat to 400°F so your fish cooks evenly
2. Baking sheet – to hold the tilapia; you’ll line it with parchment paper
3. Parchment paper – prevents the fish from sticking to the sheet
4. Paper towels – for patting the tilapia dry, which is important for a crispy finish
5. Small bowl – to mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest
6. Measuring spoons – needed for the precise amounts of butter, paprika, salt and pepper
7. Fork – to test if the fish flakes easily and is fully cooked
8. Knife – for mincing garlic and zesting the lemon

These items are all essential to make sure your meal turns out tasty and well-prepared.

FAQ

How long should I bake the tilapia?

The tilapia usually need about 12 to 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 400°F. Just check if it flakes easily with a fork.

Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh minced garlic gives a stronger flavor and a more vibrant taste.

Can I use a different fish?

Sure, you can try using cod or haddock but cooking times might change a bit based on the thickness of the fillets.

What if I want it more lemony?

You can add a bit more lemon juice at the end or even a little extra zest over the top after baking.

How do I get the garlic butter coating to stay on the fish?

Make sure the fillets are dry before brushing with the garlic butter mixture and then bake right away so the sauce clings to the fish as it cooks.

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Tilapia fillets: You can swap these with cod, sole or even halibut if you can get your hands on them
Melted butter: Feel free to use olive oil or even a vegan butter substitute if butter isn’t your thing
Garlic cloves: If you dont have fresh garlic then garlic powder or roasted garlic could work in a pinch
Lemon juice: Lime juice or a mix of lemon juice with a little vinegar can be a good see alternative
Paprika: You might replace it with a bit of smoked paprika or even a pinch of chili powder if you like a little heat

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to pat the fillets real good with a paper towel before you add any seasonings. It helps the spices and butter stick to the fish better.
2. Let the fish sit with the garlic butter mixture for a few minutes before sliding it into the oven. This gives the flavors a chance to sink in a bit more.
3. Keep an eye on your tilapia during the last few minutes of baking. Ovens can vary a lot so you dont want your fish to dry out even if the recipe says about 20 minutes.