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

You May Also Like

• Baked Halibut Recipe
• Royal Red Shrimp Recipe
• Fried Lobster Tails
• Candied Salmon
• Blackened Mahi Mahi

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.

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