Name: Baked Lemon Garlic Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 fillets Tilapia fillets; 3 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Lemon zest; 0.5 tsp Dried oregano; 0.25 tsp Paprika; to taste Salt and black pepper; 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped; 4 slices Lemon slices

"Experience a burst of citrus and savory garlic with this perfectly flaky tilapia. This light yet satisfying dish combines fresh herbs and melted butter for a restaurant-quality meal at home that is both healthy and delicious."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
4 fillets 680 g	Tilapia fillets
3 tbsp 42 g	Unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves 15 g	Garlic, minced
2 tbsp 30 ml	Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp 2 g	Lemon zest
0.5 tsp 1 g	Dried oregano
0.25 tsp 0.5 g	Paprika
to taste 0 n/a	Salt and black pepper
2 tbsp 8 g	Fresh parsley, chopped
4 slices 4 slices	Lemon slices

2 Instructions

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Step 2. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce adheres properly and the fish doesn't become soggy.

Step 3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and paprika until well combined.

Step 4. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the baking dish. Season both sides of the fish generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 5. Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the fillets, using a brush or spoon to ensure full coverage.

Step 6. Place lemon slices on top of each fillet for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Step 8. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

·
Do not overcook the fish; tilapia is very thin and can dry out quickly once it reaches the opaque stage.
·
For a healthier alternative, replace the melted butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
·
Patting the fish dry is the most important step for achieving a great texture and preventing a watery sauce.
·
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture if you prefer a subtle spicy kick.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but make sure they are completely thawed in the refrigerator and patted dry before you begin cooking.

How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?

The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) or when the meat turns from translucent to opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

What are the best side dishes for lemon garlic tilapia?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed jasmine rice, or a fresh Mediterranean quinoa salad.

Can I store and reheat leftovers?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to prevent the fish from becoming rubbery.

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