Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia is a quick and healthy dinner option that’s bursting with flavor and moisture. This dish features tender tilapia fillets seasoned with herbs, lemon, and spices, then baked to perfection. Ideal for weeknight meals or when you want something light yet satisfying, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality seafood experience right from your oven.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

tilapia filletsolive oillemon juicegarlic cloves (minced)paprikaonion powderdried parsleydried oreganosaltblack pepperlemon slices (for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Brush or spoon the seasoning mixture evenly over each tilapia fillet.

Top the fillets with lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.

Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.

Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesTotal time: 22-25 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Substitute lime juice for lemon for a different citrus note.

Top with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for freshness.

Serve with a drizzle of garlic butter or a creamy dill sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at a low temperature to prevent drying out.For best results, add a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

How do I know when tilapia is cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.

Can I bake it with vegetables?

Absolutely—add quick-cooking veggies like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pan.

What’s a good side dish for this?

Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Can I use foil instead of parchment?

Yes, foil works well and can help seal in moisture.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, cod, haddock, or sole are great alternatives.

Does it taste fishy?

Tilapia has a mild flavor and is not typically “fishy.”

Can I grill this instead?

Yes, wrap in foil and grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can season the fish ahead and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make seafood dish perfect for any day of the week. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to eat lighter, this recipe is sure to please.

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