Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, light, and full of flavor. The fish turns out tender and flaky, and the garlic butter sauce adds just the right amount of richness to make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal—without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, fuss-free, and healthy. Tilapia is a mild, versatile fish that pairs perfectly with garlic, lemon, and butter. Everything bakes together in under 20 minutes, making this a perfect weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and can be served with almost any side.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

tilapia fillets
unsalted butter, melted
garlic, minced
lemon juice
salt
pepper
paprika (optional for color)
fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
lemon slices (for serving)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. I place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the dish and season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika if using.

3. In a small bowl, I mix the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.

4. I pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets.

5. I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

6. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices for squeezing over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and baking time is 12–15 minutes, so the entire dish is ready in under 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a little grated Parmesan to the butter mixture before baking for a slightly cheesy crust. I’ve also swapped in other white fish like cod or haddock. When I want a little heat, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. And if I’m looking for a citrusy twist, I use lime juice instead of lemon.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place the fish in a covered baking dish and warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I avoid microwaving because it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking so it cooks evenly and the butter doesn’t get watered down.

What should I serve with this tilapia?

I like pairing it with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad. It goes with just about anything.

How do I know when tilapia is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout. I usually check the thickest part after 12 minutes of baking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of regular butter—it still turns out delicious.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, I often make a few fillets ahead of time and store them for quick lunches. I just keep the sides simple and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is one of the easiest, most flavorful ways I’ve found to enjoy fish at home. It’s quick, clean, and loaded with garlicky, lemony goodness. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, this recipe always makes a satisfying, elegant meal with minimal effort.