Enjoy Baked Tilapia as a nutritious and flavorful meal that's both easy to prepare and delicious. This dish features tender tilapia fillets seasoned with herbs and a splash of lemon, ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, it pairs wonderfully with sides like rice, quinoa, or your choice of veggies.
1tbspPaprikause the variety according to your heat preference
½tspGarlic Powder
½tspOnion Powder
¼tspBlack Pepper Powder
½tspDried Parsley
Saltto taste
1½tbspLemon Juice
1tbspOlive 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.
Notes
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.