![To make Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia, you need the following ingredients: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish If you want to try different fish, you can use cod, haddock, or even salmon. Each fish has its own flavor, but they work well with lemon and butter. For this recipe, you will need a few common kitchen tools: - A baking dish: I recommend using a glass or ceramic dish for even cooking. - Mixing bowl: This is where you will combine your lemon butter sauce. - Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements make a big difference. - Knife and cutting board: You’ll need these for chopping garlic and parsley. - Parchment paper: It helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. With these ingredients and tools, you're all set to create a tasty dish that is simple yet impressive. For more detailed steps on how to prepare this dish, check out the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy later. Now, let’s mix the lemon butter sauce. In a bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste Stir well until all ingredients blend nicely. This sauce adds great flavor! Place your tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Now, pour the lemon butter mixture over the fish. Make sure each fillet gets well coated. Bake the tilapia in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. To check if it’s done, use a fork. The fish should flake easily and look opaque. Once cooked, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a minute. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. This adds color and brightness to your dish. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference. When you mix the butter, lemon juice, and spices, blend them well. This helps each fillet soak up the flavor. Avoid cooking the fish too long. Overcooked tilapia can become dry. Check for doneness by using a fork. The fish should flake easily. If you see it turn opaque, it’s ready to eat. Be careful with salt. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can always add more later. Too much salt can ruin the dish. Pair your tilapia with bright sides. Steamed broccoli or asparagus adds color. A fresh salad with mixed greens works well too. You can even serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For a beautiful plate, use a white dish. Place the tilapia in the center and drizzle the lemon butter sauce on top. Add lemon slices and chopped parsley for a fresh look. This makes your meal appealing and vibrant. Explore the [Full Recipe] for more tips on making Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia! {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter while keeping it tasty. Instead of using regular butter, try a low-fat option. You can use margarine or a plant-based butter. Both options work well and cut down on fat. Adding different herbs and spices also helps. Try dill or basil for a fresh twist. Both herbs add great flavor without extra calories. You can even toss in some spinach for added nutrients. It cooks down well and blends nicely with the fish. Want to kick up the heat? Add some chili flakes to your lemon butter mix. This will give your tilapia a nice spicy kick. Just a pinch goes a long way! If you want to change the citrus flavor, try lime or orange juice instead of lemon. Lime gives a zesty twist, while orange adds sweetness. Both options keep the dish bright and fresh. Remember to adjust the zest based on your choice for best flavor. Feel free to explore these variations to make your Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your leftover tilapia fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well with a lid or plastic wrap. This helps prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in. You can store the tilapia in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the fish may lose its taste and texture. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover tilapia, reheat it gently. The best way is to use an oven or a skillet. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the fish moist. If you prefer the skillet, heat a bit of oil on medium heat. Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. For serving, add a touch of fresh lemon juice and some chopped parsley on top. This will brighten the flavor and make it look fresh again. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. You can use other mild fish if you don’t have tilapia. Here are some great options: - Cod - Haddock - Sole - Flounder These fish will soak up the lemon butter flavor well. They also cook similarly, so you can follow the same baking time. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Marinate the tilapia in the lemon butter mix for up to an hour. - Place the marinated fish in the fridge if you make it early. - Bake the tilapia right before serving for the best taste. This way, you keep it fresh and tasty! For a balanced meal, try these side dishes: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Quinoa or rice - A fresh salad These sides add color and nutrition to your plate. Enjoy your meal with the full recipe for Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia! This blog post covered how to make Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia. We listed the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned cooking tips and ways to enhance flavors with variations. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. In conclusion, this dish is easy and fun to prepare. With simple ingredients and tools, you can make a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas. Happy cooking!](https://toastedrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1b17701d-a588-443b-a192-76ca96e3532f-300x300.webp)
Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia
Discover the amazing flavors of Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia with this easy recipe! With just a few ingredients like fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, you can create a delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this mouthwatering seafood dish! Enjoy the zesty goodness today!