Introduction

Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of the fish with bright lemon and savory garlic. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light weekend meal.

Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 large Tilapia fillets
1 large onion (thick sliced)
2 cups peppers (cut into medium thick strips)
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dry herbs)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular paprika if needed)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3-4 fresh lemon slices

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
Step 3: Arrange the sliced onions and pepper strips in a single layer on a baking tray.
Step 4: Place the Tilapia fillets over the vegetables. Generously brush the marinade on both sides of the fillets.
Step 5: Add lemon slices on top of the fish.
Step 6: Bake on the upper rack for 10-12 minutes at 200°C (400°F), until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
Step 7: Serve the fish over a bed of rice with vegetables on the side. Spoon any leftover lemon garlic sauce from the pan over the top for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish to add freshness.
Substitute Tilapia with other mild white fish such as cod or haddock if preferred.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat boost.
Oven temperatures can vary; check the fish around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Store any leftover baked Tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to dry out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking, which allows the flavors to deepen.

What can I serve with baked Tilapia?

Baked Tilapia pairs well with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy tilapia fillets. The fish is marinated in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, complemented by sautéed onions and peppers, then baked to perfection for a moist and tender finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice with your favorite vegetables.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

4 large Tilapia fillets

Vegetables

1 large onion, thick sliced
2 cups peppers, medium thick strips

Marinade & Seasoning

1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dry herb)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular paprika if needed)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3–4 fresh lemon slices

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and position the rack in the upper third section to ensure even cooking.
Arrange vegetables: On a baking tray, spread out the thick-sliced onions and pepper strips in a single layer. This will serve as a flavorful bed for the fish.
Place and marinate tilapia: Lay the tilapia fillets on top of the vegetables. Generously brush or spoon the marinade over both sides of each fillet to infuse the fish with the zesty flavors.
Add lemon slices: Place 3 to 4 fresh lemon slices over the fillets for an added citrus aroma and to keep the fish moist during baking.
Bake the tilapia: Place the baking tray in the upper third of the preheated oven and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Serve the baked tilapia on a bed of rice alongside your choice of vegetables. Spoon the leftover lemon butter sauce from the pan over the top to enhance the flavors.

Notes

Ensure not to overbake the tilapia to keep it moist and tender.
You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but regular paprika works as well.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Leftover fillets can be refrigerated and eaten within 2 days.

Keywords: tilapia, baked fish, lemon garlic sauce, healthy dinner, seafood, easy fish recipe, baked tilapia