This lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
In case you are looking for more delicious fish recipes, then here are some more for you – Fish Fingers, Crispy Fish Tacos With Cabbage Slaw, Honey Garlic Fish, and Spicy Fish Fry.
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About This Recipe
Flaky and moist lemon garlic baked tilapia recipe is one of the easiest and most flavorful dishes you can make for dinner. It is spicy, tangy, and garlicky and this tilapia recipe comes together in under 20 minutes using simple ingredients.
You just have to mix a handful of ingredients in a bowl, pour them over the fish fillets, pop the tray in the oven and your dinner is ready. Yes, It is that easy!
This lemon garlic oven baked tilapia is a healthy and quick meal that you can make for your weekday dinners or just serve as a side dish with your weekend brunch. You can even grill it on a pan, instead of baking it.
Not only is this recipe super simple to make, but it is also low carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. This tilapia recipe is 250 calories per serving, with only 12 g of fat.
This Baked Tilapia Recipe is,
- Spicy + Lemony
- Nutritious
- Easy to make
- Keto-friendly + Gluten Free
- Perfect for Quick meals
Ingredients
To cook this easy oven baked tilapia, you will need –
Fish Fillets – This recipe is prepared with Tilapia fillets. But if you don’t get access to the same, feel free to use any other white fish. I like to use Tilapia because it’s not super expensive, does not taste super fishy and I get frozen fillets easily.
Marination – For the marinade, you will need lemon juice, unsalted butter, garlic, hot paprika (or use Kashmiri red chili powder), salt, and black pepper. Use fresh garlic, as it adds the most flavor and complements the butter really well. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and paprika as per your taste.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best taste. You can even substitute butter with extra virgin olive oil if you want a healthy alternative.
Parsley – Finally garnish it with some fresh parsley. You can even use fresh cilantro leaves instead.
How to cook Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia?
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Wash 4-5 medium-sized tilapia fillets with water and pat them dry using a paper towel. Line the tilapia fillets on a 9×13 inch baking tray.
Note – if using frozen fillets, thaw them before using.
Stir together 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon hot paprika (or Kashmiri red chili powder), ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
Ready marinade.
Pour the marinade over the Tilapia fillets. Arrange 3-4 slices of lemon over the fish.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is flaky and fork-tender. Garnish with pepper flakes, lemon slices, and chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have access to fish that has been caught, cleaned, and sold under 48 hours, then you can use the fresh fish. I like to use frozen because in most cases, it is processed and frozen almost immediately after it’s caught and is as good as the ones sold at the counter. Plus you can just pull a bag and it’s ready to cook. No need to preplan the shopping.
Put your frozen tilapia, still in its packaging or in a plastic bag, in a big bowl and cover with slightly cold water. Ice-cold water won’t defrost the fish quickly enough but warm or hot water will mess with the fish’s texture. If the fish is bobbing around, use a weighted bowl to keep it submerged so that all parts defrost at the same rate.
When the tilapia is farmed properly it is quite healthy. It is high in omega 3 fatty acids and is a rich source of protein. Read the label about the fishing practices, fish feed, etc before buying the fish.
The fillets of tilapia may vary in size and hence baking time slightly varies for everyone.
I bake the fish until the flesh turns white, opaque, and flaky, which happens usually between 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
If you have a candy thermometer, you can check the temperature of the inside of the fish and it should be 145 degrees F (62 degrees C).
Do check your fish filets after 12 minutes and if the flesh doesn’t look white and flaky, keep it in the oven for some more time. Do not over-bake the fish otherwise, it will become too dry and chewy.
This is a great recipe for BBQ. You can wrap the fillets individually in foil with some marinade on top and pop the foil packets in the BBQ for 15-20 minutes.
Flip it once midway to make sure the fish is cooked from all the sides. If you are going outdoors for a BBQ, these packets are very easy to carry along.
Butter gives a very delicious taste to this dish but if you are on a healthy regime, you can very well replace it with extra virgin olive oil. The taste will be very different but I can assure you it will be delicious.
Pro Tips By Neha
Make sure to dry the fillets after washing them. You can dab them with a kitchen towel to take out the extra water.
Do not overcook the fillets, they will turn a little chewy if overcooked.
You can try swapping the butter with coconut oil, olive oil, etc.
This recipe can be made with chicken as well.
Increase or decrease the amount of hot paprika to suit your taste. You can totally skip it too if not fond of spicy food.
You can swap tilapia with any white fish to make this recipe.
If you don’t like spicy, you can replace hot paprika with regular paprika.
You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice if you like it tangier.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to serve this baked tilapia is over instant pot basmati rice, instant pot brown rice, or instant pot quinoa. Some roasted green beans, roasted zucchini, or roasted broccoli on the side and you have a filling meal ready in no time.
Instant pot garlic mashed potatoes is also a great side to serve with it.
You can also make tacos using this baked tilapia fillet recipe. Even a delicious pasta or spaghetti on the side is a good option.
For a healthy meal, just serve this oven baked tilapia along with a refreshing salad like this cucumber avocado salad or strawberry walnut salad.
Storing Suggestions
Once it cools down properly, you can store baked tilapia in an air-tight container for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
To freeze, arrange the filets in a single layer on a tray and freeze until frozen solid. then transfer the fillets in a zip lock back. Remove as much air as possible before sealing and freeze for up to a month.
Reheat it in an oven until nice and warm before serving again. Just pop the bowl in the microwave for a minute or pop the tray back in the oven for 5 minutes at 200 degrees F for reheating the fish.
Thaw the fish if it’s frozen before re heating.
Variations
Mexican Style – To make Mexican style Tilapia, arrange the fillets on a baking tray.
In a pan over the stovetop, heat light olive oil on medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and chopped garlic and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add sliced tomatoes and cook for another minute. Now add salt, paprika powder, and freshly cracked black pepper.
Add olives and capers and some brine from the capers. Spread this mixture over the fish fillets and bake until the fish is cooked.
Parmesan Crusted – I have a detailed recipe to make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia here. Do check it out.
Some other tilapia recipes that you might like are Pan Fried Tilapia, Roasted Tilapia with Mustard Sauce, Blackened Cajun Tilapia.
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Recipe Card
Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-6 medium sized (1½ – 2 lb) tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon hot paprika (or Kashmiri red chili powder. Use regular paprika for non spicy.)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 lemon (cut into thin slices)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Wash 4-5 medium-sized tilapia fillets with water and pat them dry using a paper towel. Line the tilapia fillets on a 9×13 inch baking tray.
- Note – if using frozen fillets, thaw them before using.
- Stir together 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon hot paprika (or Kashmiri red chili powder), ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the Tilapia fillets. Arrange 3-4 slices of lemon over the fish.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is flaky and fork-tender. Garnish with pepper flakes, lemon slices, and chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
Tequila
I made this and it was so good!! Thanks for this delicious recipe!!
Kitty
This looks delicious! I would like to make this ahead of time for quick lunches. After this is baked, does it freeze well?
Thank you!
Neha Mathur
Yes, you can freeze it. I have included the direction in the post. Have a look. Thanks
Angela W Broyles
This was a hit at my house! Two thumbs up from the family!
Breyana Wynn
Thank you for the delicious recipe! I paired it with some fresh green beans out the field and it was very good . 🙂
Patricia Regan
Is heating oven to 180 for bakina a correct temp???..seems low to me?? Please advise.
Neha Mathur
Hi Patricia. It’s 180 Degree C. Same as 350 Degree F.
Staci
Great recipe! I decreased the lemon juice a bit and added capers. Perfectly cooked at 7 minutes.
nyenbee
I’m totally going to add capers! I’m so glad i always read comments before cooking!
Christi
This was a big WIN at our house and my family LOVED IT. I love how easy it was and your directions were spot on.
Neha Mathur
So good to know this Christi 🙂
Mallory
Can you use frozen tilapia, or is this for fresh?
Neha Mathur
Yes you can use frozen tilapia. Just thaw it before using.
Julie Fournier
Can I use Halibut instead
Neha Mathur
Yes sure, you can.
Shelly
Are you supposed to melt the
butter?
Neha Mathur
Yes Shelly, I will mention it in the post. Thanks
Rebecca
Hi! I just discovered your lovely recipe. Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted? I ran out…Many thanks and continued success!
Neha Mathur
Yes, sure you can. Add salt as per your taste.
Cecia
Could I cook the fish and sauce together in a skillet vs baking it?
Neha Mathur
Yes sure, you can do.
Amanda
Made this tonight.. it had great flavor.. I tripled the recipe bc I had more fish and I used chrushed red pepper flakes instead of the chili powder
Welchella
Can you substitute olive oil for butter? If not, do you have an alternate to butter for use in this recipe? I am excited to try but can’t use butter. Thanks
Neha Mathur
Yes sure. You can do that.
Holly M
This was wonderful! It’s the first time I’ve ever baked fish and not had my house overwhelmed by fish smell! While it was baking, it just smelled of fragrant garlic (I doubled it) and mine cooked through right at 10 minutes.
I had a half a pint of grape tomatoes that were starting to go & needed to use them up. I sliced them in halves and sprinkled them all around the pan before baking. They cooked perfectly and added such a wonderful flavor! I also mixed cilantro with my parsley because I had some chopped. Mmmmmm!
I served mine with some curried couscous. It cooks in 5 minutes and is very light like the Tilapia.
Thank you for so much for the recipe and thank you everyone else for adding their own suggestions. I always read through the comment section first out of curiosity 🙂
Neha Mathur
Wow Holly. Your take on this recipe sounds fabulous 🙂
Alejandra Loyet
So delicious. I made this with a cauliflower mash and it paired so well.
Neha Mathur
I ma glad you liked it:)
Lauren
Could I use lime wedges instead of lemon? Is regular chili powder the same as red chili powder?
Neha Mathur
Yes sure, you can.
Melissa
Love it! The i didn’t have butter so I subbed extra virgin olive oil. The sauce was delicious. I had a little sample before pouring it over the tilapia and it could be used as a tangy salad dressing with a kick! Simple and delicious. Thank you!
Tricia
if your making it from frozen should I defrost first. Is overnight okay to defrost
Neha Mathur
You can defrost it overnight in refrigerator or on counter for a few hours.
Charles Bodnar
I just thawed out 2 Tilapia fillets and will follow your receipe exactly. Will let you know how it comes out. My wife is not a big fish fan so we will see what happens. Thank you CB
Natalie
I subbed the butter for coconut oil (since I didn’t have any butter) and it turned out super delicious!
Tamra
I just made this recipe and it was a hit. I added shrimp to mine and was enough with fish for 3 to 4 people. Next time I am going to add cherry tomatoes like the lady above. will make again.
Christa P
Perfect except for the sliced lemons… The sliced lemons give too strong of a flavor. The little bit of lemon juice in the recipe is good enough. I love the spice from the chili powder to combat the tangy lemon. And who doesnt love garlic ????. I baked on 450 for 8 mins.
Neha Mathur
You can skip adding it next time.
LPhillips
Great recipe! Kept the Tilapia from getting too dry. We’re thinking it’s a keeper. 👍🏻
Neha Mathur
Nice to know 🙂
Anchal
The recipe came out great! I served it with grilled vegetables and Quinoa:)
Sharni
Delicious
Carolyn
Sounds delish. I’m making tonight. Undecided about using butter or olive oil. We’ll see. Thanks for sharing this
Neha Mathur
Butter Butter 🙂 But honestly it tastes great with both, so feel free to use whatever you fancy.
Aga
I really want to try this recipe for tomorrow’s dinner but I can’t use butter bc my daughter is allergic to diary. Can I substitute with extra virgin olive oil- or other oil, and get the same results? Thanks!
Neha Mathur
Yes sure, you can.
Aga
I had made this last night and already added to my favorites! Simply yet delish recipe. I substituted butter with evoo since my daughter is allergic to diary, but it still came out great! I paired it with herb and roasted garlic couscous and green beans. Everyone was happy at the dinner table! 🤗
Neha Mathur
Awesome 🙂
Melanie East
I’ll be making this for the 2nd time tonight. It was delicious and we loved it the first time! Tonight, I’ll serve it with rice and salad. Thanks so much!
Angie
If I want to meal prep this, how long would the baked tilapia be good for? (how many days)
Neha Mathur
It will be good for 3 days in the refrigerator.
Savannah
Hello Neha,
my family adored the recipe! Thx for the wonderful recipe! I put it at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 mins and it seems to cook well. Just something I noted!
steve verster
i haven’t made it yet but am really looking forward to doing so.
Deanna
Great recipe! My husband and I are eating healthier than we have in the past. He has always liked fried fish. I purchased tilapia filets and found this recipe on Pinterest. We both loved this baked fish. It will become a staple for us. Thanks for sharing.
Neha Mathur
Happy to hear 🙂
Dre
I’ve never reviewed recipes before, but I had to for this one. Decided to meal prep this one and SO glad I did. It was absolutely delicious! My husband took one bite and showed me his arm, he was covered in chills hahahaah! Talk about soul food! Soo good! Sent it to several friends to try. It’s a must. Soo delicious!