Description
Flaky tilapia fillets baked to perfection with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. A quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets, skinless
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare the Tilapia: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Tilapia: Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over the top of each tilapia fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil (optional): For a little extra color and flavor, you can broil the tilapia for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For a cheesy twist, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the tilapia before baking.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, thyme, or oregano, in the garlic butter.
- Add some sliced vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or onions, to the baking dish along with the tilapia for a complete meal.
- Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicier dish.
- If you don’t have tilapia, you can use other white fish fillets, such as cod, haddock, or flounder.
- If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the 6 cloves of minced garlic.
- A pinch of onion powder can also enhance the flavor. Add about 1/4 teaspoon to the garlic butter.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the baking dish before baking. About 1/4 cup should do the trick.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the garlic butter before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work particularly well.
- For even more flavor, marinate the tilapia in the garlic butter for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking the tilapia in a cast iron skillet will give it a nice crispy bottom.
- A sprinkle of capers adds a salty and briny flavor that complements the garlic butter and tilapia perfectly.
- Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense flavor.
- Sliced black olives add a salty and savory element.
- Storage and Reheating: If you have any leftover garlic butter baked tilapia, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes