Garlic Butter Tilapia Fish is the perfect way to enjoy a light, flavorful, and healthy meal with tender tilapia fillets seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices, this dish is baked to perfection, pairs wonderfully with a side of vegetables or rice.
Tips and Tricks:
Frozen Tilapia: If you’re using frozen tilapia, be sure to thaw it thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking. Frozen fish can release extra moisture during baking, so pat it dry well before seasoning to ensure a crisp finish.
Fish doneness: To check if your tilapia is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and appears opaque, it’s ready. Overcooking tilapia can result in a dry texture, so keep an eye on it while baking.
Moisture retention: You can cover the tilapia with foil during the first 10 minutes of baking to trap moisture, then uncover it for the last few minutes to allow the fish to brown slightly.
Variations:
Herb-Infused Tilapia: Add more fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, or oregano for an herbal twist. The fresh flavors will complement the tilapia’s mild taste beautifully.
Crispy Baked Tilapia: If you prefer a crispy crust, coat the tilapia fillets with breadcrumbs before baking. Simply dip the fish in an egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
Spicy Tilapia: For a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes over the fillets before baking. You can also drizzle the fish with a spicy sriracha or chili sauce once it’s out of the oven.
Tilapia with Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini to the baking sheet along with the fish. This creates a full meal that bakes in one pan, making cleanup easier.
How to Serve:
Tilapia baked in the oven is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Serve with a side of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous for a balanced meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide a fresh, nutritious side to complement the fish.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to your meal.
- Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or baked potatoes make for a comforting addition to this dish.
How to Store:
Leftover tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, be sure to use a gentle method like baking at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to avoid drying out the fish. You can also wrap the fish in foil and heat it in the oven, which will help retain moisture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked tilapia. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen tilapia will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and gently heat it in the oven.
Recipe FAQs:
Can I bake tilapia at a higher temperature?
While it’s possible to bake tilapia at a higher temperature (e.g., 400°F), cooking at 375°F allows the fish to cook more evenly without the risk of drying out. If you choose to bake it at a higher temperature, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely.
Do I need to flip the tilapia while baking?
No, there’s no need to flip the tilapia while baking. As long as the fillets are placed skin-side down (if they have skin), they will cook perfectly without needing to be turned over.
Can I use other fish for this recipe?
Yes, while tilapia works wonderfully, you can also use other mild, white fish like cod, haddock, or sole. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish fillets.
Is tilapia a healthy fish to eat?
Tilapia is a low-fat, high-protein fish that’s rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and selenium. It’s an excellent choice for a healthy meal, especially when baked rather than fried.
Tilapia Fish Oven Baked (Garlic Butter)
Garlic Butter Tilapia Fish is the perfect way to enjoy a light, flavorful, and healthy meal with tender tilapia fillets seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices, this dish is baked to perfection, pairs wonderfully with a side of vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp lemon zest
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano, then place them in a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest, and pour this over the tilapia.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the fish is flaky and fork-tender.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and lemon slices. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 335Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 127mgSodium 264mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 45g
dinnerbytes.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 dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts:
Baked tilapia is one of those go-to recipes that combines ease and flavor in a way that’s sure to please anyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a more elegant meal, this simple recipe is a perfect choice. The mild, flaky texture of tilapia pairs beautifully with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, making for a satisfying dish that’s light yet packed with flavor.
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