Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tilapia baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy families seeking healthy dinner options.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild heat)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, paprika (if using), and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets, ensuring each fillet is generously coated with the sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. The fish should be opaque and tender.
- Once done, remove the tilapia from the oven and garnish with additional chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Notes
For a crispier exterior, consider broiling the fish for the last minute of cooking.