Description

This Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce with garlic, capers, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, the tilapia is baked to perfection, making it a light and delicious meal that can be served immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

4–5 tilapia fillets (6 oz each, fresh or thawed)

Sauce

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
Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredients

2 tablespoons capers
Sliced lemon (for topping)
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Olive oil (for drizzling the baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready to bake the tilapia fillets evenly.
Prep the pan: Lightly drizzle olive oil in a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking and to add a subtle flavor.
Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce.
Add the fish: Place the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer for even cooking.
Drizzle with sauce: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, then top with capers and lemon slices to enhance taste and presentation.
Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork indicating it is cooked through.
Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant dish.

Notes

Make sure not to overbake the tilapia as it can become dry; the fish should flake easily but still be moist.
Fresh lemon juice and zest really brighten the dish and add flavor complexity.
Use fresh parsley for garnishing to add a pop of color and freshness.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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