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Baked Tilapia with Garlic Butter

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A quick, easy, and healthy baked tilapia recipe featuring a rich garlic butter sauce that creates a flaky, flavorful dinner perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully liquid. Stir in minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined and fragrant.
  3. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush or rub each fillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place fillets in a single layer in a baking dish, skin-side down if skin is on.
  4. Coat each fillet generously with the garlic butter sauce using a pastry brush or spoon. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the sauce for basting.
  5. Bake the fish for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flaky. At the halfway point (around 7 minutes), baste the fillets with the reserved garlic butter.
  6. Optional: Broil the fish for the last 2 minutes for a lightly golden top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon any buttery sauce from the baking dish over the fish before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the tilapia to keep it moist and flaky. Pat fillets dry before cooking to improve texture. Use fresh garlic for best flavor and melt butter gently to avoid burning garlic. Basting halfway through baking keeps fish moist. Broil briefly at the end for a golden crust. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked tilapia, garlic butter, healthy dinner, quick fish recipe, easy seafood, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/baked-tilapia-with-garlic-butter-recipe-easy-perfect-healthy-dinner-idea/