Name: Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 4 tilapia fillets; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon); 1 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish); Lemon wedges, for serving

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this garlic butter oven-baked tilapia! This dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. It brings a touch of elegance to your table without hours in the kitchen.

My family couldn’t believe this was a “healthy” meal. It’s so tender, it practically melts in your mouth!

Baked tilapia fillet in garlic butter sauce in a rectangular baking dish.

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Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just looking to switch up your routine, this tilapia recipe is sure to impress.

Pair it with a crisp white wine and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

Quick and Easy Prep: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Restaurant-Worthy: The golden-browned tilapia, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, is reminiscent of a fine restaurant.

Minimal Clean-Up: With just one baking dish and a small bowl for mixing the sauce, this recipe keeps kitchen clean-up to a minimum.

Foolproof Success: The straightforward baking method makes this recipe nearly impossible to mess up.

Baked tilapia fillet with buttery, lemony and garlicky sauce served in a white plate.

Ingredients

Tilapia Fillets: The mild, lean white fish cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Unsalted Butter: It melts perfectly to coat the fish and allows better control of the dish’s salt content.
Garlic: It provides aromatic flavor and depth to the butter sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: They add bright citrus notes and natural acidity.
Salt and Black Pepper: Salt draws out moisture, while pepper adds subtle heat and complexity.
Smoked Paprika: It contributes a subtle smoky flavor and appealing reddish color to the dish.
Fresh Parsley: It brings color, freshness, and a mild herbal note.

Tilapia fillet baked in lemony butter sauce served in a white plate.

How to Make Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

This dish feels gourmet but is so easy to make!

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of melted butter.

2. Prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until fully blended.

3. Prepare the tilapia. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

4. Add the garlic butter sauce. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring that each fillet is well coated. Use a brush or spoon to spread it evenly if needed.

5. Bake the tilapia. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets, so check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

6. Broil for extra color (optional). For a golden finish, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

7. Garnish and serve. Remove the tilapia from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Oven baked tilapia fillet served in a white plate with lemon wedge and steamed beans.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

Follow these tips for a fish recipe to remember.

Get it nice and dry. Ensure the tilapia fillets are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels before baking. This helps the garlic butter sauce adhere better and prevents excess moisture from diluting the flavors.
Fresh is best. Freshly minced garlic provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Taste and adjust. Taste your garlic butter mixture before pouring it over the fish. Adjust the salt level as needed to suit your preference.
Keep things even. Use a brush or spoon to spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet. This ensures every bite is flavorful and well-seasoned.
Keep a watchful eye. Tilapia cooks quickly, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.
Make them crispy. For a golden, slightly crispy finish, switch to broil mode for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid overcooking or burning.
Try fun flavor variations. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fillets before broiling. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce if you like a bit of heat.

How to Store

Keep leftover fish fresh by following these easy steps.

To Store: Place cooled tilapia in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store any remaining garlic butter sauce with the fish to maintain moisture.

To Freeze: Place completely cooled tilapia fillets in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best results, freeze the fish and garlic butter sauce together.

To Reheat: Warm in a 275°F oven for 10-12 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Or, microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until heated through.