There’s something about the aroma of lemon and butter mingling in the kitchen that instantly lifts my mood. One evening, after a long day when I just wanted comfort without fuss, I slid this tilapia into the oven. The sizzling butter and sharp lemon zest filled the air, wrapping the room in warmth. When I took the fish out, the fillets glistened with a golden finish, promising a tender bite. Each forkful was a balance of bright citrus and silky butter, the garlic and subtle spices weaving through the delicate fish. It wasn’t just dinner; it was a moment of calm and satisfaction.
- Quick to prepare and cooks in just over 20 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Zesty lemon butter sauce keeps the tilapia moist and bursting with flavor.
- Simple ingredients come together in a dish that feels fancy but is incredibly easy.
- Light and healthy, yet comforting enough to fill you up and please the whole family.
If you’ve ever hesitated to cook fish at home, this recipe gently proves how approachable it can be. The lemon butter sauce doesn’t just add flavor—it locks in moisture so the fish never feels dry or tough. Plus, it’s forgiving if you’re new to baking seafood.
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Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and delicious baked tilapia recipe featuring a zesty lemon butter sauce that keeps the fish moist and flavorful. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each), skinless and boneless
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and paprika. Stir well to mix.
Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Brush the lemon butter mixture evenly over each tilapia fillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
FAQ
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, this lemon butter sauce works beautifully with other mild white fish like cod or haddock.
How can I prevent the fish from drying out?
Brushing the fillets with the lemon butter mixture before baking seals in moisture, and baking at a moderate temperature for a short time keeps the fish tender.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to keep the texture intact.
If you’re craving something bright, buttery, and effortlessly delicious, this baked lemon butter tilapia is waiting. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a weeknight favorite.