Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

If you’re craving a light yet incredibly satisfying meal, Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia is absolutely dreamy. Each fillet is bathed in rich garlic butter that soaks into tender, flaky fish, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and luscious textures. Bright lemon and fresh herbs take this dish straight over the top.

The best part? This recipe is wildly easy—just minutes of prep and one pan to clean! It’s my weeknight secret weapon, perfect for a nourishing family dinner or impressive enough for a low-key date night.

Inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors I fell in love with during summer travels, this baked tilapia is a must-try for anyone who loves effortless, healthy meals that never skimp on taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably quick and easy—on the table in under 30 minutes
• Packed with mouthwatering garlic butter flavor that everyone loves
• A healthy, protein-rich choice for busy weeknights
• Minimal cleanup—everything bakes in one pan

Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Tilapia Fillets

Tilapia is the star of this dish, offering a delicate, mild taste that pairs perfectly with the savory garlic butter. For best results, use fresh or properly thawed frozen fillets that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a substitute, try cod, sole, or another white fish—the bake time may vary slightly, so just check for flakiness.

Fresh Garlic

Minced garlic is the foundation of the flavor here, infusing every bite with warm, aromatic goodness. For the boldest taste, mince it yourself from fresh cloves. If you only have jarred pre-minced garlic, use it in a pinch—it will still deliver plenty of garlicky punch.

Unsalted Butter

Butter creates a luxurious, rich sauce that melts over the fish and caramelizes deliciously in the oven. Use unsalted to control the saltiness of the dish. If you need a dairy-free option, high-quality vegan butter or olive oil can work, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Fresh Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon brightens the entire dish, adding tangy contrast to the buttery richness. Use freshly-squeezed juice for the best flavor, and feel free to add lemon slices right to the pan for extra fragrance. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work, but nothing compares to fresh.

Fresh Parsley

Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and fresh, herby finish. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is ideal, but curly parsley works, too. You can swap in dill or chives for a slightly different flavor twist.

Instructions for Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful sauce will coat the tilapia and infuse every bite.

Arrange the Tilapia Fillets

Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. If the fillets have excess moisture, gently pat them dry with paper towels first for maximum flavor absorption.

Spoon on the Garlic Butter

Pour or spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, making sure each one is fully coated. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, along with a few lemon slices for extra zest and color.

Bake Until Tender and Flaky

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Thicker fillets may need a couple extra minutes—avoid overbaking to keep the fish juicy.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with more parsley and extra lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

For a punch of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the garlic butter sauce. Chipotle powder or cayenne also add a smoky, spicy kick that upgrades the flavor instantly.

Dairy-Free Version

Swap out the butter for a vegan alternative or a fruity extra virgin olive oil. The sauce will be a touch less rich but still delicious and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

Switch Up the Herbs

Instead of parsley, try mixing in fresh dill, chives, or basil for a different herbal note. Each brings its own unique freshness that complements the fish.

Use Different White Fish

This method works beautifully with other mild, flaky white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on thickness.

Add Veggies to the Pan

Toss thinly sliced zucchini, tomatoes, or bell peppers into the baking dish with the fish. The garlic butter will flavor the vegetables as they roast, making dinner even more complete.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia with fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple quinoa pilaf for a hearty main course. Add a crisp green salad with cucumber and tomatoes, or quickly steam some green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. A light sprinkle of extra parsley and a wedge of lemon tie everything together for a vibrant, complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave gently if you prefer, but use medium power to prevent overcooking. Freezing cooked fish is possible, but for the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or within a couple days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?
A: Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to avoid excess water and ensure great texture.

Q: How do I know when tilapia is cooked through?
A: The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, typically after 15–18 minutes in the oven depending on thickness.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: You can mix the garlic butter and prep the fillets in advance, but for best results, bake them just before serving so the fish remains moist and flaky.

Looking for something fast, healthy, and full of flavor? Give this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia a try! I know you’ll love how simple—and delicious—it is. If you make it, drop a comment and rating below so I can hear how it turned out for you!