Baked Tilapia Recipe
This baked tilapia recipe is quick, easy, juicy and flavorful! It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. This healthy low carb dish is loaded with flavor. The fish comes out flaky and delicious! Great for family dinners, summer cookouts, meal prep and holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This oven baked tilapia recipe takes only 15 minutes.
- It is fresh and flavorful. Make this Halibut recipe too!
- The garlic butter lemon sauce is delicious!
- Great as an easy weeknight dinner.
- Another favorite is this Baked Haddock Recipe.
- This tilapia loin recipe feels fancy and gourmet enough for holidays and special occasions.
- Other than the fish, this recipe is made with pantry staples.
- This recipe is Whole30 friendly, Paleo, gluten free, nut free, sugar free, low carb and Keto.
- Check out this Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass for another great dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for baked tilapia. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
For best flavor, use fresh tilapia fillets. If you only have frozen, thaw completely before making this recipe.
Dried thyme adds a great flavor. Feel free to omit if desired.
A little paprika adds some heat and spice. For a more mild flavor, omit paprika or use a pinch.
Both sea salt and black pepper add a classic flavor.
Minced garlic pairs perfectly with the butter and lemon. If needed, use garlic powder.
Melted butter is the perfect accompaniment to fish. For Whole30, use melted ghee.
Lemon juice adds the obvious lemon flavor!
For garnish, add sliced lemons if desired. Totally optional.
All About Tilapia
Tilapia is a type of fish mainly found in freshwater. They inhabit ponds, lakes, and rivers for the most part.
Tilapia is a commonly consumed fish. It is known for its mild flavor. In addition, it does not taste very fishy. It is a great way to ease into eating seafood.
This fish is low in carbs and high in protein. Only 4 ounces of tilapia contains over 25 grams of protein. Tilapia contains high levels of niacin, which is a B vitamin found in meat, fish and eggs. Moreover, tilapia contains vitamin B12, selenium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Like other fish, tilapia contains healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
Additionally, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other fish. For that reason, it is a popular seafood choice.
As with many seafood recipes, tilapia pairs well with lemon, butter and garlic.
Taste & Texture
This oven baked tilapia recipe is light, fresh and flavorful. The fish flavor is very mild. Lemon, garlic and butter are the main flavors.
The texture is flaky. In addition, this fish melts in your mouth.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Season both sides of tilapia fillets with thyme, paprika, sea salt and pepper.
Step 3
Then, place fish in a casserole or baking dish. Pour over the minced garlic, butter and lemon juice.
Step 4
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until fish is flaky.
Step 5
Finally, remove baked tilapia from oven. If desired, garnish with sliced lemon.
Expert Tips & Tricks
For best results, use fresh tilapia.
For how to prepare tilapia, use seasonings and spices.
If using frozen, thaw before making this recipe.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Test to make sure fish is done baking. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish. Twist the fork. If it easily twists and the fish is flaky, remove from oven.
Do not skimp on the butter or seasonings.
How to Serve & Store
Serve oven cooked tilapia hot and fresh! It pairs well with cauliflower rice, regular rice, Whole30 Mashed Potatoes or Whole30 French Fries.
Or, use it in fish tacos or fish casseroles.
Top with sliced lemons and more melted butter if desired.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For another seafood favorite, check out this Juicy Sockeye Salmon!
To reheat this baked tilapia in the oven recipe, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 minutes or until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bake tilapia uncovered. There is no need to cover it.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 11 minutes.
Tilapia fillet bakes in the oven for only 10 to 11 minutes.
No, there is no need to flip tilapia while baking.
Insert fork into the fish. Twist the fork. If it twists easily and fish begins to flake, it is done.
You May Also Like
If you make this baked tilapia fillet recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- pinch sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- sliced lemon, for garnish
Instructions
- First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season both sides of tilapia fillets with thyme, paprika, sea salt and pepper.
- Then, place fish in a casserole or baking dish. Pour over minced garlic, butter and lemon juice.
- Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until fish is flaky. To test doneness, insert fork into the middle of the fish. Slowly turn the fork. If the fish easily flakes, it is done.
- Finally, remove from oven. Garnish with sliced lemon if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh tilapia. If you only have frozen, allow it to thaw before making this recipe.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
- Bake until fish is flaky. To test if fish is done, insert a fork into the middle of the fish. Slowly turn fork. If it easily turns and fish flakes, it is done baking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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13 Comments on “Baked Tilapia Recipe”
Such an easy recipe! While my fish was defrosting, I sliced up some squash, peppers and brussel sprouts, seasoned with olive oil, S&P, and fresh garlic and tossed it in the oven. Instead of mixing the melted butter, lemon juice & minced garlic, I just dumped the garlic on top of the seasoned fish, squeezed a lemon over it, and put pats of butter on top. My kitchen smelled amazing. Quick, healthy, and tasty…my three requirements!
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment!