Make your weeknight dinners special with Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia. It’s a tasty mix of lemon, garlic, melted butter, and paprika on flaky tilapia. This dish is quick, ready in 20 minutes, and perfect for busy nights. It’s also low-carb and gluten-free, making it a healthy choice.
A beautifully plated garlic butter baked tilapia fillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables, set on a rustic wooden table with soft, natural lighting.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia is a quick and easy seafood dinner option that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- The recipe calls for four medium-sized tilapia fillets, which are baked at 145°F for 10-12 minutes.
- This dish is low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein, making it a healthy meal choice.
- Garlic butter is a popular flavor combination for seafood dishes, adding delicious taste to the flaky tilapia fillets.
- The baked tilapia can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 4 months, offering convenience for meal planning.
Flaky Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
Recipe Overview
Get ready to enjoy the tasty flavors of flaky tilapia in a rich garlic butter sauce. This baked tilapia recipe is easy and healthy. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious easy tilapia dinner on busy nights.
The tilapia fillets are seasoned with spices and baked until tender. The result is a garlic butter tilapia dish that’s both simple and tasty. It’s great for when you’re short on time but want a good meal.
This garlic butter tilapia recipe is easy to make. It doesn’t need fancy toppings or breading. The tilapia’s natural flavor is the star, making it a quick and healthy choice for dinner.
Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
The Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia recipe is a delightful seafood dish. It combines the tender, flaky texture of tilapia with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. This easy-to-prepare meal is perfect for a healthy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
The recipe calls for four 6-ounce tilapia fillets. These are coated in a simple yet flavorful garlic butter sauce. The key ingredients include:
- 4 Tablespoons of salted butter
- 6 cloves of fresh minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice
These ingredients come together to create a delightful baked tilapia dish. It’s ready in just 20 minutes. The tilapia fillets are baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This results in a perfectly cooked, flaky fish.
The Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia recipe is not only easy to prepare. It’s also a healthy dinner option. Tilapia is a lean, protein-rich fish that is a great source of essential nutrients. This dish contains 337 calories, 45 grams of protein, and 16 grams of fat per serving. It’s a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a delicious seafood dish to serve at your next gathering, the Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia is sure to impress. With its flavorful garlic butter sauce and tender, flaky fish, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baked tilapia with garlic butter.
Is Fresh or Frozen Tilapia Best?
Choosing the best tilapia for your baked tilapia recipe can be a bit tricky. Both fresh and frozen tilapia can be great options. Fresh tilapia, caught and processed within 48 hours, is top-notch. But, frozen tilapia is also excellent, as it’s frozen quickly to keep its freshness.
Whether you pick fresh or frozen tilapia, make sure to thaw and pat dry the fillets. This step is crucial for even cooking and a crispy crust.
| Fresh Tilapia | Frozen Tilapia |
|---|---|
| Caught and processed within 48 hoursConsidered the highest qualityNeeds to be thawed and patted dry before cooking | Frozen quickly after being caughtPreserves freshness and qualityNeeds to be thawed and patted dry before cooking |
Both fresh and frozen tilapia can make a tasty garlic butter baked tilapia dish. The most important thing is to prepare the fillets well, no matter if you choose fresh vs frozen tilapia.
“Tilapia is a versatile and cost-effective fish that can be baked, grilled, or sautéed to perfection. Whether you choose fresh or frozen, the key is to properly prepare the fillets for the best texture and flavor.”
When looking at tilapia quality, the source matters too. Look for tilapia from Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, and Honduras. They are known for their high quality and sustainable practices.
Is Tilapia Healthy?
Tilapia is a healthy protein choice. It’s mild in flavor and packed with omega-3s and lean protein. Even farmed tilapia can be nutritious if raised well.
For the best benefits of tilapia, pick it from trusted sources. Look for high-quality feed and sustainable farming. Tilapia nutrition depends on its upbringing, so choose wisely.
| Nutrient | Amount per 3.5 oz (100g) Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 128 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 3.5g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5g |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.2 mcg |
| Selenium | 49.9 mcg |
Is tilapia healthy? Yes, it’s a lean protein with few calories and lots of nutrients. Try our Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia recipe for a tasty, healthy meal.
“Tilapia is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy choice for seafood fans.”
Looking to boost your tilapia nutrition or just enjoy a tasty fish? Tilapia is a great pick. Just make sure it comes from responsible producers for top quality and health.
Recipe Ingredients
To make the tasty garlic butter tilapia, you’ll need a few ingredients. The tilapia recipe ingredients include:
- 4 tilapia fillets, about 5-7 ounces each
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 teaspoons lemon juice
What You’ll Need
For the baked tilapia ingredients, you’ll also need some extras. These are for garnish and extra flavor:
- Paprika
- Fresh thyme, dill, or parsley
- Capers
- Dried red chile flakes
- Lemon slices
- Chopped parsley
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Information (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Tilapia Fillets | 1 1/2 pounds | Calories: 279, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 115mg, Sodium: 382mg, Potassium: 583mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 482IU, Vitamin C: 18mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious garlic butter baked tilapia. It’s sure to wow your family and friends.
How to Make Baked Tilapia
Making perfect baked tilapia is easy with this simple recipe. The secret to great tilapia is in the seasoning and how you cook it. Let’s go through the steps to make this tasty seafood dish.
- Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and put them in a baking dish.
- Season the fillets with salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest for a tasty sauce.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the seasoned tilapia, making sure they’re well coated.
- Bake the tilapia in the oven for 10-12 minutes. It’s done when it’s cooked through and flakes easily.
The baked tilapia is now ready to eat! This easy recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the tender, flaky texture and the delicious garlic butter flavor.
“The baked tilapia recipe contains 3g of net carbs, making it a healthy and guilt-free seafood option.”
Tips for Perfect Baking
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh or frozen tilapia fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your tilapia fillets.
- Baste the fillets with the garlic butter sauce halfway through cooking.
- Serve the baked tilapia immediately for the best taste and look.
| Cooking Time | Refrigerator Storage | Freezer Storage |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 minutes | 3-4 days | up to 4 months |
With these easy steps and tips, you’ll make a delicious baked tilapia dish. Your family and friends will love it. Enjoy the flavorful, tender fish soon!
How Long to Bake Tilapia
Baking tilapia fillets is quick and easy for a tasty seafood dinner. It’s important to watch the cooking time closely. Tilapia fillets usually need 10 to 12 minutes in a 425°F oven.
Tips for Perfect Baking
To get perfect baked tilapia, follow these tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the fillets’ internal temperature. They’re done at 145°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave space for even cooking.
- Brush the fillets with a flavorful sauce or marinade before baking. This adds moisture and flavor.
- Check the fillets a few minutes early. Tilapia can quickly go from perfect to overcooked.
By following these tips, you’ll get perfectly baked tilapia every time. It will be deliciously flaky and flavorful.
The baking time for tilapia can vary. It depends on the fillet thickness and oven temperature. Always use a meat thermometer. This ensures the fish is cooked right, and you can adjust the time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
The Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia goes great with many tasty side dishes. Try it with Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes or Spring Vegetables and Potatoes Baked in Parchment. These options match the tilapia’s rich flavor, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
For a sweet ending, pair the tilapia with Keto Chocolate Mousse or Baklava. The mix of savory fish and sweet desserts is unforgettable.
Whichever sides you pick, the Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia will shine. Its delicious taste and soft texture make it the highlight of your seafood dinner. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes | Tender, creamy potatoes with a crispy, cheesy topping |
| Spring Vegetables and Potatoes Baked in Parchment | A medley of fresh spring vegetables and potatoes, baked in parchment paper for a flavorful and healthy side |
| Keto Chocolate Mousse | A rich, creamy, and low-carb chocolate dessert |
| Baklava | A traditional Greek pastry with layers of flaky phyllo dough, nuts, and honey |
These side dishes for tilapia and accompaniments for garlic butter tilapia will make your what to serve with baked tilapia meal even better. They add a delightful touch to your dining experience.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing and reheating your Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia is easy. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For freezing, cool the fillets first, then put them in freezer bags. They’ll last 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw frozen tilapia in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350°F, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat refrigerated leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Make sure the tilapia reaches 145°F.
When reheating, handle the tilapia gently to prevent drying. Overcooking can make it tough. With a bit of care, your leftovers will taste as good as the first time.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover Baked Tilapia | 3-4 days | 2-3 months |
To reheat, place thawed fillets in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Your delicious leftovers are ready to enjoy!
