Baked Tilapia

You can make flavorful, tender, and flaky baked tilapia in just 20 minutes. This recipe gives you juicy fish with a light garlic butter finish and fresh lemon brightness. I have tested it many times with both fresh and frozen fillets, and it delivers reliable results every time. It is low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.

For perfect baked tilapia, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy. This easy baked tilapia goes from fridge to table in about 20 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple ingredients. You likely have butter, garlic, lemon, and dried herbs in your kitchen right now.
• Healthy baked tilapia option. It is Low Carb, Keto friendly, and Gluten Free while still tasting rich and satisfying.
• Perfect texture every time. The fish turns fork tender with a flaky texture and reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F without drying out.
• Balanced flavor. Lemon garlic butter, paprika, and herbs create a fresh yet savory finish that feels restaurant quality.

This oven baked tilapia recipe stands out because of the small details. Patting the fillets dry helps them brown instead of steam. Zesting the lemon before juicing adds stronger citrus aroma. The result is moist, flaky fish with bold flavor that can impress guests or bring comfort to a simple family dinner.

Ingredients Needed

For the Tilapia

• 4 tilapia fillets, fresh or fully thawed if frozen
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon fresh lemon zest

For Garnish and Serving

• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• A pinch of red pepper flakes, optional for heat
• Chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness
• Extra lemon slices for serving

Using fresh lemon juice and zest gives the dish a bright flavor. Fresh garlic adds depth, while paprika and herbs bring warmth and aroma. Choose firm, moist fillets with no strong odor for the best baked tilapia texture.

How to Make Baked Tilapia

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a 9×13 baking dish inside the oven while it heats. Add the butter to the dish so it melts as the oven warms. This saves a step and coats the dish evenly.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key. Removing surface moisture helps the fish bake with a light golden finish instead of steaming.
3. Remove the hot baking dish from the oven once the butter has melted. Carefully swirl the dish so the butter coats the bottom.
4. Season both sides of the tilapia with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Press the spices gently onto the surface so they stick well.
5. Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the buttered dish. Leave a little space between each piece so heat can circulate evenly.
6. In a small bowl, stir together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture evenly over the fillets. The lemon zest adds strong citrus aroma, while the juice keeps the fish moist.
7. Place the dish on the center rack of the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The fish is done when it turns opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part.
8. Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2 minutes. Spoon some of the warm lemon garlic butter from the pan over the top.
9. Garnish with red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon slices. Serve immediately while hot and flaky.

Pro Tips for Perfection

Choose the Right Fish

Pick fresh or properly frozen tilapia for the best texture. Fresh fillets should look moist and firm with no strong odor. If buying frozen, choose vacuum sealed packs with no ice crystals inside. Fish that was frozen quickly keeps a better flaky texture after baking.

Use a Thermometer for Accuracy

Bake until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part. Insert a meat thermometer straight into the center of the fillet. This step removes guesswork. The fish will be opaque and fork tender without drying out.

Prevent a Strong Fish Taste

Tilapia should smell clean and mild. Avoid fillets that look dull or feel mushy. Patting the fish dry before seasoning also helps improve flavor and texture. Excess moisture can trap steam and affect the final result.

Zest Before Juicing

Always zest the lemon before cutting and juicing it. The peel is firm and easier to grate when whole. Fresh zest adds bold citrus aroma that lifts the garlic butter sauce.

Do Not Overbake

Tilapia cooks fast at 400°F. Start checking at the 10 minute mark. Once it flakes easily and reaches 145°F, remove it from the oven right away. Overcooking can make the fish dry and crumbly.

Troubleshooting and Common Questions

Can I bake tilapia from frozen?

Yes, you can bake frozen tilapia without thawing first. Place the frozen fillets in the baking dish, season well, and add the lemon garlic butter mixture on top. Increase the baking time by about 5 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part before serving.

Should I wash the tilapia before baking?

No, washing tilapia is not necessary. Rinsing raw fish can spread bacteria around your sink and kitchen. Instead, pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This keeps your kitchen safe and helps the fish bake properly.

Why is my tilapia watery?

This usually happens when the fish was not patted dry or when frozen fillets released extra moisture. Blot the fish well before seasoning. If using frozen fillets, expect a bit more liquid in the pan, but the texture will still be flaky once fully cooked.

How do I store and reheat baked tilapia?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fish in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through. Covering the dish helps keep the fish moist.

Can I reheat baked tilapia in an air fryer?

Yes. Place the fish in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This method helps bring back a light crisp edge while keeping the inside tender. Check often to prevent overcooking.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas

Serve baked tilapia straight from the oven with extra lemon slices on the side for a fresh finish. Spoon the warm lemon garlic butter from the pan over each fillet just before plating to keep the fish moist and glossy.

Pair this healthy baked tilapia with simple sides such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower rice for a Low Carb and Keto friendly meal. For a heartier option, add rice, mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

For a dinner party, place the fillets on a large white platter. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and arrange thin lemon rounds around the edges. This small step makes the dish look bright and inviting.

Storage Tips

Let the fish cool to room temperature before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat in the oven, place the tilapia in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F until heated through. The foil helps keep moisture inside so the fish stays tender.

For quicker reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Helpful Notes

You can adjust this oven baked tilapia recipe based on your taste and pantry staples.

If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. For a smoky flavor, swap regular paprika with smoked paprika. Both options pair well with lemon garlic butter.

For a dairy free version, replace butter with olive oil. The texture will still be tender, and the flavor will remain bright and fresh.

If you want extra browning on top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely. The fish cooks fast and can dry out if left too long.

To add more depth, sprinkle a small amount of grated Parmesan on top before baking. It creates a light golden crust while keeping the inside flaky.

For meal prep, you can portion the seasoned raw fillets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy days and keeps dinner simple.

Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This guarantees safe, moist, and fork tender baked tilapia every time.

Conclusion

This baked tilapia recipe proves that a simple dinner can still taste amazing. With just a few pantry staples, you get tender, flaky fish baked at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches 145°F. It is quick, healthy, and perfect for busy nights. The lemon garlic butter adds bold flavor without extra effort.

If you tried this easy baked tilapia, leave a comment and a star rating below. Your feedback helps others and means a lot. Share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so friends and family can enjoy it too.

Did you add your own twist, like extra spice or a new herb? Tell us what you changed. I would love to hear how you made it your own.

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