Description
A quick and flavorful garlic butter oven-baked tilapia recipe that brings the essence of coastal dining to your home.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 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, for color and mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice.
Notes
For added richness, consider incorporating fresh herbs like basil or dill. Ensure fish is cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
