Dinner

Lemon Butter Oven-Baked Tilapia Recipe

Byanna orden December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

Lemon Butter Tilapia is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The bright lemon and buttery sauce complement the delicate, flaky fish beautifully. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

A white baking dish holds two pieces of golden-brown cooked fish fillets, each seasoned with small green capers and sprinkled with red spices and mixed herbs. A wooden spoon lifts one fillet, revealing a juicy, slightly crispy texture with a light glaze of olive oil or butter sauce that pools at the bottom. To the side, bright yellow lemon wedges sit partially in the sauce, adding vibrant color contrast. Crisp green parsley in the foreground and a soft-focused bowl of lemon wedges in the background rest on a white marbled surface, enhancing freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-5 tilapia fillets (6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 tablespoons capers
Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Sliced lemon (for topping)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Lightly drizzle a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 5: Drizzle the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fish, then top with capers and lemon slices.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce before baking.
Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a brighter herb taste.
If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover lemon butter tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through, being careful not to overcook the fish.