Description
This Lemon Pepper Baked Tilapia recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender fish fillets, dressed in a zesty lemon butter sauce and seasoned with lemon pepper and paprika, perfect for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Fish Ingredients
- 4 fillets tilapia (4-6 ounces (113-170 g) each)
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Lemon slices (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prepare for baking the fish.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat and combine butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, salt, and ground pepper. Stir until the butter melts and the flavors meld together, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Season Tilapia Fillets: Arrange the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning and paprika evenly on both sides of each fillet to infuse them with a bright and mildly spicy flavor.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the seasoned fillets. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle extra fresh parsley over the fish and garnish with lemon slices for a fresh presentation. Serve the tilapia warm to enjoy its full flavor.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the tilapia to prevent dryness; baking for 12-15 minutes is sufficient.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest enhance the brightness of this dish, so using fresh lemons is recommended.
- You can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish fillets if desired.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light rice pilaf.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
