1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added citrus flavor)
Optional Garnishes:
Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices
Instructions
Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Tilapia Fillets If using frozen fillets, make sure they are fully thawed. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that the seasonings stick evenly.
Season the Fillets In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets. Arrange the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce In another small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, making sure they are well-coated.
Bake the Tilapia Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Add Garnishes and Serve Once out of the oven, sprinkle the fillets with red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Add lemon slices as a garnish if desired.
Enjoy Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 tilapia fillet (based on 4 servings)
