This baked tilapia is flavored with garlic, butter, herbs and seasonings, then cooked to tender and flaky perfection. A super easy dinner option that is high in protein, and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
I happen to love fresh seafood, and I make it for dinner on a regular basis. Some of my all time favorites include marinated grilled scallops, succulent seafood paella, and this ultra fast baked tilapia.
There are some nights when I know I’m only going to have a few minutes to put dinner together. On nights like these, I turn to my fastest and easiest recipes like this garlic butter baked tilapia. Simply whisk up a quick sauce, pour it over your fish, then bake and enjoy.
Baked Tilapia ingredients
The ingredients for this recipe consist of fresh tilapia fillets, butter, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, parsley, salt and pepper.
How do you make baked tilapia?
Start by preparing a simple sauce of melted butter, soy sauce, garlic, lemon zest and fresh herbs. Place the tilapia fillets in a casserole dish, then pour the sauce over the top. Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can broil the top of the fish for an additional minute or two if you prefer a browned topping. Garnish with lemon wedges and herbs, then serve.
Tips for the perfect dish
- It’s fine to use either fresh or frozen fish, just make sure the fish is thawed if it’s been frozen. I typically go for fresh fish if it’s available.
- Leftover baked tilapia will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- No fresh herbs on hand? You can use 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs instead, although I really prefer the fresh herbs.
- Serve your fish with rice pilaf, on top of pasta, or with a side of mashed potatoes. I also always offer a green vegetable or side salad. You can even put the fish in a bun to make fish sandwiches for a unique dinner idea!
- Don’t want to bake your fish? You can grill or sear the fish instead, then brush the sauce on during the last 2 minutes of the cooking time.
Recipe FAQs
Tilapia fillets are thin, and therefore cook fairly quickly. This type of fish should be baked in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the flesh is opaque and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
I cook my fish at 400 degrees F because the higher heat allows for a little bit of browning around the edges.
I always bake fish uncovered so that it can develop a golden brown exterior.
Baked tilapia flavor variations
This dish is great as-is, but you can add other flavors to customize the recipe to your tastes.
- Protein: This dish will also work with shrimp, salmon or other types of white fish such as cod, snapper or halibut. You may need to adjust the cooking time if you use a different type of seafood.
- Flavorings: Add extra flavor to the butter sauce with chopped olives or capers, a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun spice or some sun dried tomatoes.
- Vegetables: Add some veggies to your baking dish to cook alongside your fish. Choose a quick cooking vegetable such as cherry tomatoes, spinach or thinly sliced zucchini.
- Toppings: Finish your fish with fresh dill or basil, toasted pine nuts, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or some toasted breadcrumbs.
I love baked tilapia because the prep work is minimal, it’s quick to cook, and it also happens to be super delicious.
More seafood dishes you’ll enjoy
Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoons minced garlic
- cooking spray
- lemon wedges and fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon zest, honey, soy sauce, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper and garlic.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top of the fish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Turn on the broiler to high. Broil for 2 minutes or until edges of fish are browned.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Notes
- It’s fine to use either fresh or frozen fish, just make sure the fish is thawed if it’s been frozen. I typically go for fresh fish if it’s available.
- Leftover baked tilapia will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Grace says
We are not big fans of fish, but I made this last night, and it was excellent! Better flavor than a good restaurant! My husband and I really enjoyed, it’s hard for me to get him to eat fish. The Tilapia was very mild and flaky, no fishy taste and the sauce was wonderful.
MacKenzie says
Tried this recipe last week. The flavors were amazing. Great healthy option for busy weeknights.
Kathleen says
I am loving all the seasonings on this tilapia. It looks and sounds fantastic!
Gina Abernathy says
Baked tilapia with garlic butter is amazing. The seasonings are fantastic and dinner comes together in minutes. Another delightful recipe.
cambrea says
The seasonings and flavor of this dish were absolute perfection! Honestly one of the most delicious fish recipes I’ve ever made!
Ieva says
Just wanted to thank you for this easy and quick recipe! We made it for dinner just now using basa fillets, but the flavourings were AMAZING! We absolutely loved your garlic butter with fresh herbs! A wonderful recipe for weeknight dinner!
Nathan says
This is such a great fish dish! Delicious flavors and just the right balance of sweetness thanks to the honey. A new go-to when I want to make fish!
Jessie says
This recipe is PERFECT. I can’t believe how much flavor you get from this sauce. It’s great with some roasted veggies on the side!
Liza says
What a fantastic recipe. I love that I can put this together quickly and have a wonderful dinner in about half an hour (and the sauce is sooo good)! Another winner from Dinner at the Zoo.
Holley says
I love the seasoning and always cooked to perfection! Great recipe!
Mirlene says
This is one of my favorite baked tilapias to make! Love the garlic butter. I meal prep this for lunch and its so easy to make.