Description

This Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets baked with a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with sautéed onions and peppers, this recipe delivers a healthy and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Marinade

4 large Tilapia fillets
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dry herbs)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular paprika if unavailable)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Garnish

1 large onion, thick sliced
2 cups peppers, cut into medium thick strips (bell peppers recommended)
3–4 fresh lemon slices

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and position the rack in the upper third of the oven to ensure even baking.
Arrange vegetables: On a baking tray, spread the thick sliced onions and pepper strips in a single, even layer to create a flavorful base for the fish.
Place the tilapia fillets: Lay the tilapia fillets over the bed of onions and peppers. Generously brush the prepared marinade over both sides of each fillet to infuse them with the lemon garlic flavor.
Add lemon slices: Place 3-4 fresh lemon slices over the fillets to add brightness and additional flavor during baking.
Bake the fish: Bake the tray in the upper third of the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Serve the baked tilapia on a bed of rice alongside your favorite vegetables. Spoon the leftover lemon butter sauce from the pan over the fish for extra taste.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the tilapia to keep it tender and flaky; check at 10 minutes and adjust if necessary.
Use fresh lemon juice and lemon slices for the best flavor impact.
You can substitute the peppers with other vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes if desired.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade.
Leftover sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked tilapia, lemon garlic tilapia, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, lemon butter fish, tilapia marinade, baked fish with vegetables