Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
Introduction
Are you on the lookout for a quick and easy dinner that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia! This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also super simple to prepare. Picture tender, flaky tilapia fillets basking in a lemony butter sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Fun fact: tilapia is one of the most popular fish on the planet, and for good reason! It cooks up quickly and pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors, making it a dinner-time hero in many kitchens.
This recipe is perfect for families, busy weeknights, or a leisurely weekend meal. It’s as easy as “set it and forget it” – just pop it in the oven and let it do its magic! If you love easy and scrumptious dishes, you’ll definitely want to try this one alongside another reader favorite, Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta – both are sure to impress without the fuss. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful dish!
What is Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia?
So, what exactly is Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia? It’s a dish that takes the humble tilapia and elevates it to diva status! Imagine a fish dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with the richness of butter—sounds too good to be true, right? Now, you might be wondering why it’s called "baked." Well, the answer is simple: it’s baked, not fried, keeping it healthy while ensuring those delightful flavors permeate every bite.
There’s an old saying that "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," and trust me, serving this dish to your loved ones will certainly capture their hearts! So why not treat yourself and your family to this delicious and guilt-free meal? Dive into this recipe, and I promise it’ll soon become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
You’ll absolutely adore Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia for several reasons. First and foremost, the main highlight of the dish is its wonderful flavor combo! The zesty lemon and rich butter work together in perfect harmony, creating a luscious sauce that will have you licking your plate clean.
Another fantastic reason to whip this up at home is the cost-saving benefit. Tilapia is relatively affordable compared to other seafood options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious folks without sacrificing taste!
Lastly, the simplicity of the toppings is what sets this dish apart. With just lemon, garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, you can elevate your meal with minimal effort. If you enjoyed tilapia, you might want to try out Lemon Garlic Shrimp as another flavorful seafood recipe that won’t disappoint! Now, let’s get cooking with this delightful dish!
How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
Quick Overview
Making Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia is a breeze! With only around 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of baking, you can have a delicious and wholesome meal on the table in no time. This dish is not only simple and straightforward but incredibly satisfying, thanks to the aromatic lemon and buttery sauce. Let’s see the ingredients you’ll need.
Key Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
- 4 tilapia fillets
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your tilapia cooks evenly once it’s time to bake.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. This will prevent the fish from sticking and make for easier cleanup!
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Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir together and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
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Season the Fish: Pat your tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step is essential for enhancing the flavors of the fish!
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Combine Everything: Place your seasoned tilapia fillets in the baking dish, and pour the lemon butter sauce over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon slices for a beautiful presentation. Sit back, enjoy, and watch your family devour every bite!
What to Serve Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia With
Pair your Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia with sides that complement its rich, buttery flavor. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the tilapia.
- Steamed Asparagus: Add a fresh crunch and bright color to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A fluffy and nutritious side that offers a pop of color and texture.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc will refresh your palate alongside the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your fish. It should flake easily, but if overcooked, it can become dry.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the measurements of lemon or garlic based on your preferences!
- Add Spice: If you like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely, as this dish is usually a hit), here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Storing: Let it cool completely, then place the tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 days.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave as it tends to dry out the fish.
Now that you have all the insights to create this delightful dish, it’s time to whip up Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia in your kitchen! Get ready for a delicious meal that will leave your family asking for seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir together and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Pat your tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon slices.
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