Description
This Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets baked with a zesty lemon garlic butter marinade, complemented by vibrant peppers and onions. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, the recipe highlights simple ingredients and an easy baking method for a fragrant, juicy, and well-seasoned meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fish
- 4 large Tilapia fillets
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, thick sliced
- 2 cups peppers, cut into medium thick strips
Marinade
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dry herb)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular paprika if unavailable)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3-4 fresh lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated to create a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and position the oven rack in the upper third to ensure even baking and perfect browning of the fish and vegetables.
- Arrange Vegetables: In a baking tray, spread the sliced onion and pepper strips evenly in a single layer. This acts as a flavorful base that also adds moisture during baking.
- Prepare and Marinate Tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets over the layered vegetables. Generously apply the prepared lemon garlic butter marinade on both sides of each fillet, ensuring thorough coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add Lemon Slices: Place the fresh lemon slices atop the fish to enhance the citrus aroma and add visual appeal while baking.
- Bake the Tilapia: Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes. The fish should become tender and flaky when cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the baked tilapia immediately on a bed of rice alongside your choice of vegetables. Spoon any leftover lemon butter sauce from the pan over the fish to add extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute or add other soft vegetables like asparagus or blanched green beans along with onions and peppers for variety and added nutrition.
- To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the baking tray so heat circulates around the fillets and vegetables.
- Use fresh lemon juice and slices for the best bright, tangy flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet with vegetables and sauce
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
