Easy Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia Recipe

There’s something undeniably mouthwatering about the aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen. As you prepare this Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia, imagine the tender fish fillets soaking up all that luscious flavor as they bake to perfection. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is as simple as pie—well, easier than pie if we’re being honest.

Picture this: a cozy evening at home with family gathered around the dinner table. You’re all anticipating the first bite of this delightful dish. The crunch of garlic-infused breadcrumbs paired with the flaky tilapia makes every bite an explosion of flavor. Trust me; you’ll be fighting over who gets the last piece!

I remember one night when I made this for my family; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took their first bites!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Tilapia Fillets: Fresh or frozen fillets work well; just ensure they are thawed before cooking for even baking.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance that creamy richness.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced or pressed works best in this recipe.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch; they give a delightful texture contrast to the soft fish.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully; bottled juice won’t quite cut it here.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the buttery sauce perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your dish; don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust we’re aiming for.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier—because who wants to scrub dishes?

Melt the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about a minute will do! Let those heavenly aromas fill your kitchen.

Add Flavorful Toppings: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs with lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a crunchy topping that elevates your tilapia.

Coat Your Tilapia Fillets: Place the tilapia fillets in your prepared baking dish. Pour the melted garlic butter over them generously before sprinkling on your breadcrumb mixture evenly.

Bake Until Flaky Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s done when it turns white and opaque—delicious!

Now sit back and enjoy the delightful smells wafting through your house as you wait!

This Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia is not only simple but utterly delicious—a surefire way to impress anyone lucky enough to share your meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Prepare the tilapia fillets by seasoning them generously, then place them in a baking dish. Melt garlic butter and pour it over the fish before baking for 15-20 minutes until flaky.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap tilapia for any white fish like cod or haddock. Toss in a sprinkle of paprika or lemon zest to elevate the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley can add a pop of color and freshness too.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain moisture and flavor.

Cooking this tilapia reminds me of a dinner party where I almost burned my garlic butter sauce—thankfully, my friend saved it with a splash of wine!

FAQ

Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw it properly before seasoning and baking.

What can I serve with garlic butter oven-baked tilapia?

It pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I know when the tilapia is cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done cooking.

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Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia is a quick, flavorful dish featuring flaky fish topped with a crunchy garlic breadcrumb crust. Perfect for impressing family and friends during busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Place tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish and pour melted garlic butter over them. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is flaky and opaque.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet (120g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - Substitute tilapia with cod or haddock for variety. - Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of paprika or lemon zest. - Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal.