Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
334 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
Description
This recipe combines tilapia filets layered in a baking dish with cherry tomatoes scattered around. The fish is seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance its mild flavor. A sauce of melted unsalted butter is combined with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and smoked paprika, then poured over the fish, imparting rich, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor layers.
Baked at 400°F, the tilapia cooks through within 14-17 minutes, developing a flaky texture that flakes easily with a fork. Thin lemon slices arranged on top add aroma and a subtle citrus accent during baking. The accompanying tomatoes soften and release juices that mingle with the butter sauce.
This dish is versatile and can be served over sides such as spaghetti squash, rice, cauliflower rice, or pasta to absorb the flavorful juice. The balance of butter richness, citrus brightness, and gentle spice from the paprika creates a nuanced baked fish suitable for regular meals.
Notes suggest serving the fish with roasted spaghetti squash tossed with fresh basil, olive oil, and parmesan, highlighting a flavor combination that complements the tilapia.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 pounds tilapia approx 3-4 large filets, filets
- 3/4 cup cherry tomato
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 6 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic , minced or grated
- 1 1/2 lemon fresh
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- parsley for garnish, optional, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the tilapia filets into the prepared dish, allowing the thinner sides to overlap.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the fish.
- Season with the coarse kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- In a small microwave-safe dish, melt the butter in 30 second increments.
- When melted, remove and whisk in the garlic, zest from one lemon, juice from one lemon and the paprika. Pour the butter mixture over the fish.
- Cut the last 1/2 lemon into thin slices and place on top of the filets.
- Bake the fish for 14-17 minutes or until the filets are white and easily flaked with a fork.
- Serve over spaghetti squash, rice, cauliflower rice or pasta.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
- Serve baked tilapia over roasted spaghetti squash mixed with fresh basil, olive oil, and parmesan for an enhanced flavor experience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 334 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 334kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 386mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 648mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 733IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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