Delight in our Oven Baked Tilapia recipe, a nutritious and delightful meal. This dish features tender Tilapia fillets, seasoned to perfection, with a hint of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for a delicious flavor. Easy to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfectly suited for quick lunches or effortless dinners.
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Serve this flaky and flavorful fish alongside your favorite sides, be it rice, quinoa, or a medley of vegetables. This oven-baked treasure offers a healthy alternative to fried foods, making it a hit with families. Prepare for a deliciously simple meal that's sure to be a winner at your dinner table.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients required to make this Baked Tilapia are common pantry staples that are likely already available in your kitchen. Let's explore them below.
- Tilapia: When selecting tilapia fillets, choose fresh, boneless options with minimal odor. This ensures the best quality and taste for your dish
- Seasoning Powders: Create a flavorful blend using basic spice powders such as paprika, onion, garlic, black pepper, and salt. It's important to select a paprika that matches your preferred level of heat. If you enjoy spicier flavors, feel free to incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the mix
- Herbs: I've included dried parsley and cilantro leaves here. However, you can explore other dried or fresh herbs that align with your taste and preferences. Experiment with herbs like thyme, basil, or dill to add unique flavors to your dish
- Lemon Juice: Introduce a vibrant and zesty element by incorporating freshly squeezed lemon juice. If you don't have lemon juice on hand, lime juice or lemon pepper seasoning can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that lemon pepper seasoning contains black pepper and salt, so adjust the quantities of those ingredients accordingly
- Olive Oil: To enhance the overall taste, add a drizzle of olive oil while seasoning the tilapia fillets. Alternatively, you can use an oil spray before baking to achieve a nutty flavor. This step adds richness to the dish and helps to keep the fish moist during the cooking process
How to Make Baked Tilapia in an Oven?
Get ready for a treat that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate! Dive into our step-by-step photos and watch the accompanying video below to effortlessly master the art of baking the perfect tilapia.
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Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
- 4 fillets Tilapia
- 1 tbsp Paprika, use the variety according to your heat preference
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- Salt, to taste
- 1½ tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
To make Baked Tilapia in Oven
- In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper powder, dried parsley leaves, and salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and set it aside for later use
- Next, place the tilapia fillets on a plate and drizzle them with olive oil and lemon juice. Make sure to coat the fillets evenly on all sides, enhancing the dish with a burst of zesty freshness
- Once done, add the prepared seasoning to the tilapia fillets and ensure that both sides are evenly coated
- Now, arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Feel free to use a baking dish or baking tray that's convenient for you
- Place the baking tray with the tilapia fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12 to 15 minutes or until the fish easily flakes with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the tray from the oven and it is now ready to be enjoyed. For added flavor, you can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the baked tilapia and garnish it with fresh cilantro before serving
To Serve
- Enjoy the Baked Tilapia with your choice of grain, such as brown rice, white rice, or quinoa, and complement it with a variety of roasted or sautéed vegetables to suit your taste.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Fish Quality:
- The Freshness of the Fish: Start with fresh Tilapia fillets. Always check for any signs of discoloration or fishy smell. Fresh fish will have a mild odor and firm flesh.
Preparation:
- Seasoning: The seasoning mixture plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of the tilapia. Ensure that the spices and herbs are evenly mixed and coat the fillets thoroughly. Adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preferences. You can also try cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, or teriyaki sauce for different flavors.
- Coating: When applying the seasoning mixture, make sure to coat both sides of the tilapia fillets evenly. This ensures that the flavors penetrate the fish and create a well-balanced taste.
Cooking:
- Oven Temperature: Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature specified in the recipe (usually around 400°F or 200°C). This allows for even cooking and helps to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the fish moist.
- Cooking Duration: Tilapia typically takes about 12 to 15 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C). However, this can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. You'll know it's done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque.
- Safety: To ensure food safety, the FDA recommends that fish reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer to check this, ensuring your tilapia is both safe to eat and deliciously prepared.
Aftercare:
- Baking Setup: Line the baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the Tilapia from sticking to the tray. This also helps with easy cleanup afterward.
- Finishing Touches: After baking, consider garnishing the Tilapia with fresh herbs like cilantro and squeezing some fresh lemon or lime juice over the fish. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Tilapia pairs well with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to create a wholesome and delicious meal. Here are some popular options to consider:
- Rice Dishes: Serve the Baked Tilapia with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even flavored rice like lemon rice or cilantro-lime rice. The mildness of the rice complements the flavors of the fish
- Quinoa: For a healthier alternative to rice, quinoa is an excellent choice. It provides a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture that goes well with this fish
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables adds depth of flavor and a wonderful texture. Try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Sautéed Dishes: Lightly sautéed vegetables can also be a great side dish. Consider green beans, asparagus, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, or mushrooms. Sauté them in olive oil or butter and season with your favorite herbs and spices
- Salads: A fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the Baked Tilapia
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Create a tangy and rich lemon garlic butter sauce to drizzle over the Baked Tilapia. Melt butter in a pan, squeeze fresh lemon juice, add a hint of garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Pour this sauce over the fish just before serving
- Tartar Sauce: Serve the fish with a classic tartar sauce on the side. This creamy sauce adds a delightful tangy flavor
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy your Baked Tilapia fresh, or keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container. Remember to check for any odd smells or changes in color before reheating. Always reheat it well, and if something seems off, it's best to throw it away to stay safe.
Joyce Hill
I love this recipe. I have made it twice and my son enjoyed it the first time. Next time he wants his with Cajun seasoning.
Sangeetha Vel
Great to hear from you, Joyce! Thank you for trying the recipe and sharing your thoughts. Your feedback means a lot!
Rebecca
Made this tonight and it was amazing! My 4 year old loved it.
Sangeetha Vel
Rebecca, I'm delighted to hear that! It's always great when a recipe is both adult and kid-approved. Thank you for sharing your feedback 🙂 .
Dottie
Very easy recipe and the seasoning was spot on! Thank you!
Sangeetha Vel
Dottie, That's fantastic to hear! I'm delighted that the recipe was easy for you to follow, and the seasoning was a hit. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!