This is the kind of dinner I lean on when I want something warm and comforting, but I don’t have the patience for a lot of pans or prep. Tilapia is one of those gentle, mild fish that takes on flavor beautifully, and baking it keeps the kitchen calm. No sizzling oil, no timing stress, just a simple dish that comes out tender with a buttery sauce at the bottom of the pan that tastes like it took more effort than it did.
I make this on weeknights when I want dinner to feel peaceful. The lemon keeps everything bright, the garlic gives it depth, and the butter ties it all together in a way that feels cozy and familiar.
Why This Recipe Fits Busy Evenings
There’s barely any hands-on cooking here. The oven handles everything, and the sauce forms on its own while the fish bakes. The flavor is gentle but satisfying, and it’s easy to pair with whatever sides you already have. While it cooks, I usually use the time to toss together a quick salad or steam some vegetables. By the time the fish comes out, the meal is ready.
If you’ve ever been tempted to skip cooking because it feels like a task, this dish brings you back to the table without asking too much from you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tilapia
A mild white fish that bakes quickly. Frozen fillets work as long as they’re thawed first. I usually buy based on total weight rather than counting fillets.
Butter
Melted butter forms the base of the sauce and gives the fish richness.
Lemon
Half of the lemon is used in the sauce. The remaining half is squeezed just before serving, which makes the flavors come alive.
Garlic
This dish loves garlic. It wakes up the fish and balances the butter.
Dried Herbs and Paprika
A pinch of thyme or oregano and a little paprika add warmth and color.
How To Make It
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Heat your oven to 400°F.
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Melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, garlic, dried herbs, and paprika.
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Pat the tilapia fillets dry and season the surface with a light sprinkle of salt.
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Place the fillets in a baking dish.
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Spoon the butter mixture over the fish.
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Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish will flake easily when ready.
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Serve with fresh lemon wedges at the table.
Notes From My Kitchen
Because tilapia is so mild, it benefits from bright flavors. I often zest a bit of the lemon before slicing it and add that to the butter mixture for a little extra lift.
Tilapia cooks faster than thicker fish, so start checking for doneness early. The fish should flake without much pressure from a fork.
If you’re cooking for a group, this recipe scales well. Just give the fillets enough space so they’re not overlapping.
Easy Variations
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A pinch of crushed red pepper adds gentle heat.
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Smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor that works nicely in colder months.
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Fresh parsley at the end brings color and freshness.
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If tilapia isn’t available, thin fillets of catfish, red snapper, or black cod work well here.
Serving Suggestions
This dish fits well with sides that soak up the sauce. Some favorites:
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Steamed rice or buttered couscous
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Roasted asparagus or green beans
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Crisp salad with olive oil and lemon
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Soft dinner rolls for dipping into the pan juices
Leftover fish flakes nicely into lunch bowls or soft tacos the next day.
Storage
Store leftovers in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm gently in a covered skillet on low heat or eat cold in a salad. Tilapia is delicate, so heating it slowly keeps it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before adding the lemon butter mixture.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes. Add them after baking so they stay bright.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The fillet should look opaque and flake when nudged with a fork. If it still looks shiny or translucent in the center, give it a few more minutes.
Baked Tilapia (With Lemon Butter)
Simple, bright, and wonderfully tender, this baked tilapia comes together quickly with a silky lemon butter sauce and a touch of garlic.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat)
- 1 1/2 lbs tilapia fillets (3 to 4 pieces)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.
- Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt.
- Arrange the fillets in a 9x13 baking dish. Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and the pan sauce spooned over each piece.
- Enjoy warm with rice, vegetables, or a simple salad.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 322Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 9gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 128mgSodium 1007mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 45g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This baked tilapia with lemon butter has a way of making dinner feel settled and reassuring, even on days that don’t feel like they’re going smoothly. It’s simple, steady, and dependable, and it tastes like something made with care even though it barely takes any time. It’s a meal that fits easily into everyday life, and those are the ones that stay.
Also try these Fish recipes:-
