Juicy Oven Baked Whole Tilapia

This Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia - Packed with bold flavours and extremely juicy, baked to perfection with a crisp skin. It is fast, easy and beginner friendly ready in just 30 minutes with maximun flavor.

Recipe Highlights

🕒 Ready in under 40 minutes—fast and weeknight-friendly.
🐟 Whole tilapia baked for juicy, tender results.
🧄 Garlic, herbs, and lemon infuse every bite.
🔥 Crisp skin with bold, well-balanced flavor.
🍽️ Pairs perfectly with rice, plantains, or roasted veggies.

Baked Tilapia is one of my family's favorite dinners, and once it's out of the oven, the perfect side is already ready for us to feast. I cannot count how many times I have grilled or baked tilapia my whole life. Looking for a stovetop fish option? This pan-seared red snapper is delivers just the restaurant style. The truth for the matter is I can't get enough of it.

This juicy oven-baked tilapia delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful fillet ideal for a quick, healthy dinner.

The easy Mediterranean-baked tilapia provides a fragrant mix of herbs and spices. And if you prefer a bit of zest, the oven baked cod with lemon and garlic adds the perfect amount of tang to complement your seafood dishes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This recipe uses whole tilapia for better flavor and moisture.
• Tilapia is affordable and can be found anytime all year round.
• Oven baked, no frying mess or fishy smell.
• Baked tilapia is perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining.
• Ready in just 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Whole Baked Tilapia Recipe Ingredients

1. Whole tilapia: Using a whole tilapia ensures the fish stays juicy and flavorful. This makes the tilapia recipe stand out for both taste and presentation.
2. Ginger and garlic paste: Adds depth and warmth to the baked fish.
3. Salt and seasoning powder: Gives an umami kick to the tilapia.
4. Onion powder
5. Black pepper
6. Paprika
7. Thyme
8. Chilli paste

Check recipe card for the detailed ingredients

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the tilapia and use branzino, snapper, sea bream and mackerel
• For s spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, hot peppers, or ground scotch bonnets. Adjust accordingly.
• You can also use a foil packet to bake the tilapia for the steamed mehtod with more fresh herbs.
• Place any vegetabled beneath the tilapia before baking.

How to Make Juicy Oven Baked Whole Tilapia

1. Combine and mix all the ingredients for the whole tilapia in a small bowl.

2. Make deep slits on both sides of the fish using a sharp knife.

3. Rub the fish on both sides generously with the marinade. Bake on a greased tray or parchment-lined pan for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C) and flesh flakes easily.

4. Remove from the oven. Let it rest for 3 minutes for the juices to distribute then serve.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure the fish is perfectly scaled, washed and gutted. Tell your fishmonger to do that for you or buy already prepped fish.
• Make deep slits on the fish for seasonings to penetrate.
• Create a barrier between the fish and the pan to prevent sticking. You can use parchment paper, a silicon mat, veggies, lemon slices and a baking rack.
• Enough oil should be used on the fish to keep it moist and to have a crispy skin.

Pro Tips to Avoid Dry Fish

• Pat dry the fish dry before seasoning to get a crisp skin.
• Don't over bake, Check doneness at about 15-20 minutes.
• Broil for the remaining 3 minutes to crisp up the skin at 400F.
• Let it rest for 3-4 minutes to retain juices.

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