Description
Baked Tilapia is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and garlic, this recipe delivers a healthy, satisfying meal with minimal fuss and versatile flavor options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, dill, or thyme (or a mix), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the fish quickly while keeping it moist and tender.
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the olive oil and seasonings stick better and prevents sogginess.
- Season Generously: Brush the fillets lightly with olive oil, then drizzle fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs evenly over the fish for that robust flavor. Add paprika or chili flakes if using for a subtle kick.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the seasoned fillets in a greased baking dish or on parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the tilapia rest for a minute or two to retain moisture, then serve immediately with your favorite sides or garnishes like fresh parsley or lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook; keep an eye on baking time to prevent dryness.
- Add citrus (lemon or lime) after baking to preserve bright flavor.
- Season thoroughly to let the mild fish shine.
- Experiment with fresh herbs to customize the taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 4 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg