Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
