Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
Description
Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia features tilapia fillets seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then drizzled with a sauce made of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The cooking process involves baking the fish in a preheated oven until it flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is tender but cooked through. The garlic butter sauce infuses the fish with a rich, aromatic flavor, while the lemon juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness. A garnish of fresh parsley provides an herbal note and enhances presentation.
The texture of this dish is soft and flaky, characteristic of baked white fish, with the moistness preserved by the butter sauce. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and attention, making it suitable for a weeknight meal or a simple dinner. Paired with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad, it provides a balanced plate focused on the fresh fish and citrusy butter sauce.
This method yields a delicate fish that cooks evenly without drying out. Baking at a high temperature for around 10 to 12 minutes allows the butter mixture to envelop the tilapia, ensuring each bite contains the lemon and garlic flavors.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter melted, unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or more, to taste, freshly squeezed
- lemon zest of 1
- 4 tilapia 6-ounce fillets
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest; set aside.
- Season tilapia with salt and pepper, to taste and place onto the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with butter mixture.
- Place into oven and bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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