Baked Tilapia with Lemon

This baked tilapia with lemon is a simple, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish perfect for weeknights or family dinners. With a buttery lemon-garlic sauce and tender fish that cooks in under 20 minutes, it’s a recipe that feels elegant yet requires minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines ease and taste in the best way. The tilapia is light and flaky, while the lemon-butter sauce infuses it with rich flavor. It’s a one-pan recipe, so cleanup is quick, and it pairs well with almost any side dish, from rice to roasted vegetables. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned cook, this is a recipe that delivers consistent, delicious results every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1/2 medium lemon)

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes

• 1 1/2 pounds tilapia fillets (3 to 4)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves (from 5 sprigs)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425ºF.

2. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper (or red pepper flakes).

3. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with kosher salt.

4. Place fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging in an even layer (slight overlap is fine).

5. Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the fish.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the tilapia is opaque, flakes easily, and is just cooked through.

7. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use lime juice instead of lemon for a citrusy twist.

• Swap tilapia for cod, haddock, or sole for a different mild fish.

• Add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

• Mix fresh herbs like dill or basil into the butter sauce for variety.

• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300ºF until warmed through, about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the fish may become dry or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.

What other fish can I substitute for tilapia?

Cod, haddock, flounder, or sole work well as mild, flaky alternatives.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil can be used for a lighter option, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when tilapia is done?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Absolutely. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be baked alongside the fish.

Is tilapia healthy?

Yes, tilapia is low in calories, high in protein, and a good source of essential nutrients.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use two baking dishes to avoid overcrowding.

Do I need to cover the fish while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the sauce slightly caramelizes and flavors the fish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil.

How do I serve baked tilapia with lemon?

It pairs well with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables, and a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Baked tilapia with lemon is a quick, wholesome, and flavorful seafood recipe that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its zesty lemon-butter sauce and tender, flaky fish, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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