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Easy Baked Tilapia Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

This Easy Baked Tilapia recipe features tender, flaky tilapia fillets marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, then baked to perfection. Quick and simple to prepare, this dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with fresh salads or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Chilli flakes
  • ½ teaspoon Dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon Dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon zest
  • ¼ cup Olive oil

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Tilapia fillets, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃) and lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, chilli flakes, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, lemon zest, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade, leaving out the butter, fish fillets, and lemon slices for now.
  3. Marinate Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, then generously rub the marinade mixture on both sides of each fillet to ensure even coverage and flavor.
  4. Arrange for Baking: Place the marinated fish fillets in the prepared baking dish. Top each fillet with a tablespoon of butter and a slice of lemon to enhance moisture and add brightness. Pour any remaining marinade over the fillets.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout but before it dries out.
  6. Serve: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and serve the baked tilapia hot, paired with your choice of sides like a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or light grains such as quinoa or couscous.

Notes

  • Tilapia is a delicate fish that doesn’t require long marinating times; 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats is sufficient.
  • Check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque; avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
  • Make sure the marinade is evenly distributed by rubbing it well onto the fillets using your hands or a brush.
  • Slice lemons thinly for them to soften properly and infuse the fish with a bright lemon flavor.
  • Serve this baked tilapia with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or light grains like quinoa or couscous for a balanced meal.