This garlic butter tilapia with lemon is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The flaky fish is infused with the zesty brightness of lemon, aromatic herbs, and the rich flavor of garlic butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Lemon, garlic, and herbs make this dish incredibly delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Light: Gluten-free, paleo, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for guests yet simple for weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juicing)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or substitute with olive oil for dairy-free)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Tilapia
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and the juice of 1 lemon.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the fillets. Lay lemon slices on top of the fish.
5. Bake
- Bake the tilapia for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb Swap: Use basil, dill, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
- Pan-Seared Version: Sear the fillets in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side instead of baking.
- Butter-Free: Use olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Add sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 30–60 seconds. Avoid overcooking to maintain the fish’s texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the fish may change after thawing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
3. Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! Cod, haddock, or sole are great alternatives to tilapia.
4. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, pan-fry the fish in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking 3–4 minutes per side.
5. What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the yellow skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish to fit all the fillets in a single layer and adjust seasoning accordingly.
7. How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
8. Can I add garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use 1/2 tsp garlic powder in place of fresh garlic for convenience.
9. What’s the purpose of red pepper flakes?
They add a subtle heat that enhances the flavor, but you can skip them if preferred.
10. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the baking dish?
Grease the dish well with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
Conclusion
Garlic butter tilapia with lemon is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its zesty, buttery goodness and tender texture make it a hit with seafood lovers and those new to fish alike. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, wholesome meal that’s ready in no time. Try it today and enjoy a taste of simple elegance!
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Garlic Butter Tilapia with Lemon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This lemon garlic butter tilapia is light, flavorful, and quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With a zesty lemon kick and a touch of herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Tilapia with Lemon Recipe
This lemon garlic butter tilapia is light, flavorful, and quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With a zesty lemon kick and a touch of herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
Produce:
- Zest of 1/4 lemon
- 2 lemons (sliced, plus juice of 1 lemon)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Baking & Spices:
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Other:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven (Optional for Baking Method):
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
2. Season the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
4. Cook the Tilapia (Stovetop Method):
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting the fish with the sauce, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. (Optional) Bake the Tilapia:
- For baking, place the seasoned fillets in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the fish and top with lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the cooked tilapia with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon slices. Pair with rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap tilapia for another white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
