Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

If you’re looking for a super simple yet absolutely mouthwatering way to enjoy fish, you’re going to want to try this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe. I love this because it turns everyday tilapia into a flaky, buttery, garlicky delight that’s ready in just about 20 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood pro or cooking tilapia for the first time, this recipe has the kind of classic flavors and easy steps that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe is chosen to highlight the mild flavor of tilapia while adding a fresh burst of garlic and zest. When shopping, look for fresh, firm fillets and fresh herbs if possible for best flavor.

• Tilapia fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen fillets work great; look for firm, translucent flesh.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
• Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and a pretty color on top.
• Dried thyme and oregano: These herbs add an earthy, Mediterranean vibe.
• Butter: Melted, this makes the fish ultra-rich and moist.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that punchy flavor that garlic lovers will adore.
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
• Lemon slices, red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley: Gorgeous garnishes that add fresh flavor and color.

Variations

I love how versatile this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe is, so I encourage you to play around with it to make it your own. Add a little heat, swap herbs, or make it super fresh depending on what you have on hand!

• Add a spicy kick: I once added a pinch of cayenne alongside the red pepper flakes, and it gave just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the garlic butter.
• Herb swap: Sometimes I swap thyme and oregano for fresh basil or dill—both work beautifully with tilapia.
• Make it keto: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but I pair it with creamy cauliflower mash for a perfect keto meal.
• Different fish: If you can’t find tilapia, cod or sole fillets work just as well with this garlic butter sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Season the Fish

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures a hot enough temperature to perfectly bake the tilapia without drying it out. While the oven warms up, season your tilapia fillets generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and oregano. I find that evenly coating the fillets adds layers of flavor and helps create that beautiful golden top once baked. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a 9×13 baking dish—you want them spread out without crowding for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Your Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for the best part: melt your butter and whisk it together with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. I love adding lemon zest instead of just juice because it really amps up the citrus aroma. Pour this glossy, fragrant mix over the tilapia fillets and make sure they’re well coated. You’ll find the garlic butter seeps into the fish as it bakes, making every bite moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Bake the tilapia in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. This timing is key—too little, and the fish won’t flake easily; too long, and it dries out. You’ll know it’s done when you can easily flake the thickest part with a fork and it looks opaque all the way through. I usually peek around 10 minutes just to be safe, especially if my fillets are a bit thinner.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the fish with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, and lay lemon slices right on top. Not only do these garnishes pop visually, but they provide a fresh, zesty counterbalance to the rich garlic butter flavor. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe

Garnishes

I always lean into simple, fresh garnishes that complement the rich garlic butter. Chopped parsley adds a bright pop of green and a bit of freshness, lemon slices provide a zesty contrast, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of subtle heat. I find these elevate the dish without complicating it.

Side Dishes

For sides, my family goes crazy for roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and sea salt. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad also pair beautifully. And if you’re looking to keep it extra light, steamed green beans and a citrusy arugula salad work like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the tilapia on a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice, finishing with a drizzle of extra melted garlic butter and a lemon wedge on the side. It looks elegant but doesn’t add any stress to the cooking process. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds can add a lovely crunch too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—and you might because my family always wants seconds—I store them covered in the fridge within two hours of cooking. I put the fish in an airtight container, which helps keep it fresh for up to 2 days. Just know that the flaky texture is best enjoyed fresh but warms well too.

Freezing

Personally, I try to avoid freezing cooked tilapia because the texture can get a bit mushy when thawed. But if you must, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. It’s best to use within 1 month for quality’s sake.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Microwave works too, but I recommend short 30-second bursts to avoid drying out the fish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia Recipe is such a dependable staple for me whenever I want a quick, flavorful dinner without fuss. It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to because it never disappoints—flaky fish, rich buttery garlic, and a hint of lemon brightening every bite. I can honestly say my family goes crazy for this dish and I guarantee you’ll find it just as easy and satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite fish dinner!

Print