Baked Tilapia Lemon Butter (Print Version)

Tender tilapia fillets baked with lemon, garlic, and butter for a light, flavorful main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 fresh or thawed tilapia fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Lemon Butter Sauce

03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon slices
11 - Additional chopped parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit tilapia fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat tilapia fillets dry using paper towels and arrange them evenly in the baking dish. Brush both sides with olive oil.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over each fillet, ensuring thorough coverage.
05 - Place a lemon slice atop each coated fillet.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in thirty minutes flat, yet feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • The lemon butter sauce is so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate.
  • Works for busy weeknights and impresses dinner guests without the stress.
02 -
  • Pat your fish dry before cooking—moisture is the enemy of a delicate, properly cooked fillet.
  • Don't skip the lemon zest; it's where the brightness lives and makes the difference between good and memorable.
03 -
  • Make the sauce up to an hour ahead and store it in the fridge—pour it over cold fillets and bake as usual for a little extra hands-free time.
  • If your oven runs hot, start checking the fish around the 12-minute mark; baked fish waits for no one.

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