Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is like a warm hug on a plate, with its buttery richness mingling with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. Imagine sinking your fork into flaky, tender tilapia while the citrusy goodness dances across your taste buds—pure bliss.
This dish not only tantalizes your palate but also brings back memories of family dinners at the beach where laughter and joy filled the air. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight or a fancy dinner party that impresses without keeping you in the kitchen all night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile balances zesty lemon and rich butter, creating a mouthwatering experience.
- Its vibrant presentation will turn any meal into a special occasion.
- You can enjoy it with various sides, from rice to roasted vegetables, offering versatility for any table setting.
I remember the first time I made Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia; my friends couldn’t believe how quickly I whipped it up while they were still debating what to order for takeout.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Tilapia Fillets: Fresh or frozen fillets work great; just thaw thoroughly before cooking for best results.
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that creamy richness that makes this dish shine.
Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds an irresistible aroma and robust flavor; don’t skimp on it!
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the dish with vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley not only garnishes but also adds a pop of color and freshness to each bite.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the delightful flavors coming together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure that your tilapia doesn’t stick.
Next, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, which usually takes about 1-2 minutes; be careful not to burn it!
Now squeeze fresh lemon juice into the melted butter-garlic mixture, stirring well to combine those delightful flavors. Pour half of this mixture over the tilapia fillets arranged in your greased baking dish.
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on top of the fillets before drizzling them with the remaining garlic butter mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor!
Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly at this point!
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. This adds that extra touch of elegance and freshness—just like you spent hours cooking! Enjoy your Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia alongside some fluffy rice or crunchy veggies for a balanced meal that feels gourmet yet effortless!
You Must Know
- Baked lemon garlic butter tilapia is a delightful dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor.
- The combination of zesty lemon and rich butter creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, making it an instant favorite for any dinner table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and marinating the tilapia for at least 15 minutes. This ensures the fish absorbs all those delicious flavors before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap tilapia for other white fish like cod or haddock. Toss in some capers or sprinkle fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven to avoid drying out the fish.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly flaky tilapia, ensure not to overcook it; 12-15 minutes usually does the trick.
- Using fresh garlic instead of powdered elevates the flavor significantly.
- Pair with a side of veggies for a colorful plate and balanced meal.
Cooking this dish reminds me of a spontaneous dinner party where my friends raved about how easy yet delicious it was. One friend even asked for seconds, which I took as high praise!
FAQ
What can I serve with baked lemon garlic butter tilapia?
Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced and delightful meal.
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and baking.
How do I know when the tilapia is done cooking?
The tilapia should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia is a quick and flavorful dish that elevates any weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines tender tilapia fillets with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich buttery goodness, delivering an exquisite taste experience with minimal effort. Perfectly flaky and complemented by vibrant parsley, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 lb)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat; add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown (1-2 minutes).
- Stir in lemon juice and pour half over the tilapia fillets in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle remaining butter mixture on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Marinate tilapia for at least 15 minutes before baking for enhanced flavor. Substitute tilapia with cod or haddock if desired. For extra flavor, consider adding capers or fresh herbs.
