This Easy Baked Tilapia combine tilapia fillets marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, chili flakes, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and olive oil and then baked to perfection.
Topped with butter and fresh lemon slices, this dish is easy to make in 30 minutes, and is perfect to make and enjoy on a busy weeknight.
If you haven't guessed it already, tilapia is one of my absolute favorites. I've tried a LOT of tilapia recipes in the past- a delicious pan-seared lemon pepper tilapia, a tangy Mediterranean baked tilapia, and baked cod on days when I'm craving something robust and flavor-packed.
This flaky white fish is quite affordable compared to its counterparts and is a healthy source of lean protein, boasting a delicate flavor that beautifully takes on the spices you cook it with. For the whole fish, try this juicy oven-baked whole tilapia
It is a quick and healthy dinner option. Tilapia is a light, flaky fish that's low in calories and packed with lean protein. Whether you're a seafood lover or just trying to incorporate more fish into your diet, this simple recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
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What I Love About the Recipe
The recipe is low-carb, gluten-free and low in calories. It's the perfect dish for almost all dietary preferences.
It's so easy to make, and quite affordable too. All you'll need is a tilapia and some pantry staples.
It's so versatile. You can enjoy it with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies and turn it into a complete meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Tilapia: Fresh, frozen, and wild-caught fish work fine in this recipe. Thaw frozen fillets overnight in your refrigerator to draw out any moisture and soak up all the deliciousness.
Lemon: You'll need both freshly squeezed lemon juice and some lemon zest for that citrusy flavor.
Seasonings: To season, I used a mix of chili flakes, dried thyme, dried parsley, some crushed black pepper and salt.
Olive oil: You want a moist, tender, and flaky tilapia recipe, and that's where olive oil comes in.
Butter: Adding butter to the baking dish ensures tender and moist tilapia without drying out. You can use salted or unsalted butter.
Lemon slices: As you bake tilapia, the lemon slices placed on top of the fillets release their juices, infusing the fish with an even more lemony flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- To lend a kick of heat to the fish, you can add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mix.
- If you don't have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can work just fine too.
- Capers make for a splendid addition to this dish. Just add them towards the end of the cooking process, so they don't burn.
- For an extra burst of delicious flavor, top the baked fish with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Experiment with other seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Taco seasoning, and even Old Bay seasoning, to create different versions of the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or the microwave, or enjoy cold over a salad.
I wouldn't recommend freezing the fish, as it is pretty delicate and freezing, thawing and reheating can ruin its texture.
Tips & Tricks to Make Easy Baked Tilapia
- Tilapia is a delicate fish that quickly wears on spices and doesn't require long marinating times. Marinate the fillets for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats.
- You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as tilapia can dry out quickly.
- Make sure the marinade coats the fillets evenly. Use a brush or your hands to rub it in well.
- Slice the lemons as thinly as you can! This helps them soften and allows the fantastic lemon flavor to soak into the fish.
- Serve baked tilapia with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light grain like quinoa or couscous.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
I love making and serving this baked tilapia with some coconut rice or steamed rice when I really want to make it a filling meal. It also tastes amazing when paired with a side dish like some crispy baked potato wedges or garlic herb roasted potatoes.
You can also team it up with a simple side salad like tomato and cucumber salad or pasta salad. Need something chilled to drink with it? Try this pineapple juice or pomegranate juice, if you want something warm, this lemon tea is just the best.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, tilapia is healthy. It is an excellent source of lean protein and is low in calories and fat.
Tilapia is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake or wanting to maintain a healthy weight.
Tilapia typically takes 15-20 minutes to bake in a preheated 400℉ oven. The exact baking time can vary depending on the fillet thickness.
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild white fish, such as cod, haddock, or snapper. Adjust the cooking time based on the fillet thickness.
More Fish Recipes You May Like
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried these oven baked tilapia or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Easy Baked Tilapia
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tilapia fillets thawed
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Chilli flakes
- ½ teaspoon Thyme dried
- ½ teaspoon Parsley dried
- ½ teaspoon Blackpepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 teaspoon Lemon zest
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- 2 Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉ and lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine all the ingredients into a bowl and stir except the butter, fish fillets and lemon slices.2 tablespoon Lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Chilli flakes, ½ teaspoon Thyme, ½ teaspoon Parsley, ½ teaspoon Blackpepper, ½ teaspoon Salt, 2 teaspoon Lemon zest, ¼ cup Olive oil
- Pat dry the fish with a paper towel and rub the marinade generously on both sides of the fish.2 Tilapia fillets
- Place the fish in the greased baking dish, add the butter and lemon slice to each fillet, and pour the remaining marinade on top (if any).2 tablespoon Butter, 2 Lemon slices
- Bake in a preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes until flaky.
- Remove and serve.
Notes
- Tilapia is a delicate fish that quickly wears on spices and doesn't require long marinating times. Marinate the fillets for 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats.
- You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, as tilapia can dry out quickly.
- Make sure the marinade coats the fillets evenly. Use a brush or your hands to rub it in well.
- Slice the lemons as thinly as you can! This helps them soften and allows the fantastic lemon flavor to soak into the fish.
- Serve baked tilapia with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light grain like quinoa or couscous.
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Looking for something quick and delicious yet affordable? This is the recipa and it's my absolute favorite. Hope you will love it