Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia

butter garlic tilapia baked with oregano and thyme

Garlic butter baked tilapia is mild white fish seasoned with a paprika and herb rub, then baked in a lemon garlic butter sauce until it flakes easily. The rub keeps it more seasoned than a plain butter bake, and the whole dish is ready in about 20 minutes. Serve it warm with couscous salad, rice, or a simple side of vegetables.

Prep Time10

Cook Time12

Total Time22

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked fish, baked tilapia, tilapia

Servings: people

Calories: 299kcal

Author: Daisy Merano

Cost: $

Equipment

1 Baking pan Holds the fillets in a single layer.
1 Microwave-safe bowl For melting the garlic butter.
1 Small bowl For mixing the spice rub.

Ingredients

For the tilapia

5 fillets tilapia
3 tbsp parsley chopped
8 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2.5 tbsp lemon juice
6 tbsp unsalted butter
Lemon slices for topping

For the rub

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons paprika
0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
1.5 teaspoons salt
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 410°F.
Make the garlic butter sauce. Combine the butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 to 40 seconds, until the butter melts. Stir until well blended, then set aside.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, 8 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2.5 tbsp lemon juice
Combine the dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well.
1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoons paprika, 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking pan.
5 fillets tilapia
Season both sides of each fillet with the rub mixture, coating every piece well.
5 fillets tilapia
Pour the lemon garlic butter over the tilapia, spooning some of the garlic and butter over each fillet so every piece is coated.
6 tbsp unsalted butter, 8 cloves garlic, 5 fillets tilapia
Top the fish with lemon slices. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Lemon slices, 5 fillets tilapia
If using frozen fillets, bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of the fish, so check for doneness before removing it from the oven.
5 fillets tilapia
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the baked tilapia before serving.
3 tbsp parsley
Serve warm with couscous salad, rice, or a simple side of vegetables. Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @speedyrecipe!

Notes

Pan choice – Use a rimmed baking sheet or shallow baking dish so the butter sauce stays around the fish instead of running off.

Make ahead – Mix the rub and the lemon garlic butter up to a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. Warm the butter just enough to pour before assembling.

Butter swap – Salted butter works in a pinch. If you use it, cut the salt in the rub down to 1 teaspoon.

Scaling – To serve two, halve everything but keep the lemon slices generous for topping.

Doneness check – Tilapia is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 145°F if you want to confirm with a thermometer.

Nutrition