Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Baked Tilapia with Garlic Butter—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience! In just 20 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering seafood delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With tender tilapia fillets enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce and a hint of zesty lemon, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also a surefire way to elevate your culinary repertoire. Ready to dive into a delicious ocean of flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your tilapia will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a small amount of butter or non-stick spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a garlic butter sauce.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Season the tilapia fillets generously with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the tilapia fillets, making sure to cover each piece well for maximum flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish the baked tilapia with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the baked tilapia hot, accompanied by your choice of sides such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: For the best flavor, opt for fresh tilapia fillets. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs, such as paprika or thyme, to add your personal touch to the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the tilapia to rest for a couple of minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
- Perfect Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a refreshing cucumber salad to complement the rich flavors.
- Make It a Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep! Bake a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
