Easy Baked Tilapia is another easy recipe that is perfect to serve any night of the week. It comes together in less than an hour from beginning to end. This fish is full of flavor and great when you want to have a meal without meat.
I have always loved eating fish, it is one of my favorite meals. I discovered tilapia a few years and now I buy it on a regular basis. It has a great flavor and it is reasonably priced.
The recipe could not be any easier, any level of cook will love this recipe. The butter, lemon slices, and seasoning give a great flavor to the fish. Pair it with a simple green salad, potatoes, or rice and you have your dinner ready for you.
Helpful Tips:
- Try to keep the fillet unified size, so each one is done baking at the same time.
- If the fish is frozen make sure to thaw completely.
- Before adding the butter and seasoning, pat the fish dry with a paper towel. You will also want to salt each fillet before adding the butter mixture.
- Make sure that the butter mixture completely cover each of the fillets.
- I like a hint of lemon with my fish, so baking with the lemon slices gives the fish a nice light lemon flavor. If you like a stronger lemon flavor for your fish add additional lemon juice to the butter mixture.
- Time may change depending on the size of the fillets.
- Baked fish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat leftovers simply heat in the microwave until desired temperature. If you prefer you can heat it in the oven. Place in baking dish and cover with aluminum foil in a preheated 300 degree oven until desired temperature.
How to thaw frozen fish:
The best way to thaw fish is to put them in the refrigerator the night before you will be making them. This way they will thaw slowly which will keep the flavor and the texture. If you are in a hurry, seal the fish in a plastic bag and submerge the fish in cold water for about an hour, time may vary.
How do you know when the tilapia is done baking?
Bake in the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You will know when it is done when the fish is flakey. It will no longer be translucent or look raw, the appearance will be opaque. The internal temperature of the baked fish should be 145 degrees F.
Steps for making Easy Bake Tilapia
Step one
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with a nonstick cooking spray.
Step two
Mix together the seasonings and the melted butter and mix well.
Step three
Dry the fillets with a paper towel. Place in the prepared pan and season with salt and pepper.
Step four
Drizzle the butter mixture over top of the fillets. Make sure that the fillet is covered with the butter mixture.
Step five
Place slices of lemon on top of each fillet.
Step six
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish is flakey.
Check out these fish and seafood recipes:
If you make this Baked Tilapia recipe I would love to hear about it! Please leave me a comment and a rating.
Ingredients
- 4 large tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking pan.
- Combine the melted butter with the onion powder, garlic powder, basil, and oregano.
- Pat dry the fillet with a paper towel.
- Arrange the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the fish with the butter mixture. Use a basting brush to spread the butter of the fish.
- Place the lemon slice over top of the fish.
- Place in the preheated oven. Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the fish is flakey.
Notes
- Try to have the fillet all the same size. This way the fish will be done baking all at the same time.
- The time may vary, depending on the size of the fillets.
- If you using frozen fish take the fish out of the freezer the day before and let thaw slowly in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw out the fish faster, seal the fish in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour or until it is thawed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on February 20, 2012. It has been updated with new content and pictures on March 3, 2022.
It looks so flavorful, healthy, and delicious. I love tilapia.
I love tilapia. This is simple, fuss free and delicious.
I really should make tilapia at home more often! It’s not on our usual radar, but that herb + lemon butter sounds fantastic here, Dawn!
Such a great way to prepare fish! And tilapia is such a nice choice — nice, delicate flavor. This looks great — thanks.