This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is the easiest and most effortless meal to prepare in just 20 minutes. It’s full of flavor, made with simple ingredients like garlic, lemon, and butter, and all cooked in a single pan. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and brings a deliciously fresh, light taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (or more, to taste)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Fish: Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake the Fish: Drizzle the butter mixture over the tilapia fillets. Place the dish in the oven and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Serve: Serve the tilapia immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per serving

• Fat: 14-18g

  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g

• Cholesterol: 65-85mg

• Sodium: 500-600mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 2-4g

  • Sugars: 1-2g

• Protein: 30-35g

• Vitamin A: 6-8% of the daily value

• Vitamin C: 10-12% of the daily value

• Calcium: 2-4% of the daily value

• Iron: 6-8% of the daily value

Why Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia?

This dish is ideal for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal. Tilapia is a mild, flaky fish that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with lemon and butter. The lightness of the fish makes it a great option for those looking for a healthier meal, but the lemon butter sauce adds richness and depth, elevating the flavor without overwhelming the dish. The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and zest gives the fish a refreshing tang, while the butter provides a smooth, indulgent finish.

The Simplicity of the Ingredients

One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. There’s no need for complicated marinades or hard-to-find spices. The melted butter, garlic, and fresh lemon juice are all you need to create a delicious sauce that infuses the tilapia with flavor. The lemon zest adds an extra layer of brightness, making the dish feel fresh and light.

The tilapia fillets themselves are easy to work with, and because they cook so quickly, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a hassle-free meal. You can use fresh or frozen tilapia, depending on what’s available or convenient. The dish also works well with other mild white fish, such as cod or haddock, making it versatile for different preferences.

How the Baking Process Works

Baking tilapia is an easy and hands-off method that ensures the fish remains moist and tender. When the fish is drizzled with the lemon butter sauce and baked, the fish absorbs all the flavors, creating a juicy and flavorful dish. Baking at a high temperature (425°F) allows the fish to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring that it flakes perfectly with a fork in just 10-12 minutes.

The great thing about baking in a single pan is that there’s minimal clean-up afterward, making this an ideal choice for busy nights. It’s a no-fuss dinner that requires little preparation, allowing you to focus on other tasks or relax while your meal cooks itself in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a light and healthy meal. A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette would complement the citrusy notes of the fish perfectly.

For a heartier meal, serve the tilapia with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes. The buttery sauce works well with starchy sides that soak up the rich flavors, creating a satisfying and complete dinner.

If you want to add an extra touch, consider serving the tilapia with a drizzle of extra lemon butter sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, also adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is a light yet satisfying meal that’s packed with protein. Each serving contains 30-35 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall health. The fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

While the dish does contain butter, it’s still a relatively light meal, with only 14-18 grams of fat per serving. The addition of lemon and garlic adds flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count, making this a great option for anyone looking to eat healthily while still enjoying a flavorful meal.

With only 2-4 grams of carbohydrates, this dish is also suitable for those following low-carb or keto diets. It provides a good amount of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system, and offers some calcium and iron as well.

Quick and Easy Meal

One of the standout features of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. From preheating the oven to serving the finished dish, it takes just about 20 minutes, making it an excellent option for those nights when you’re craving something fresh and delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a perfect weeknight dinner that anyone can make, even on the busiest of days.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is a fantastic meal that combines simple ingredients with incredible flavor. The tilapia fillets are tender and flaky, infused with a bright, buttery lemon sauce that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is a great choice for a quick and healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner, give this Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia a try—you won’t be disappointed!