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–+ servings

California Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

A quick and flavorful baked tilapia recipe with a rich lemon butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Quick Meals, Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia about 1 1/2 pounds total
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons butter unsalted, melted
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice from a Meyer lemon if available
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with the salt, paprika, and black pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the fish. Tuck the lemon slices both under and on top of the fillets.
  4. Bake for 11 minutes, then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 380mg

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the butter sauce. Leftover baked tilapia keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out. Avoid overcooking by checking for flakiness at the 12-minute mark. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal. If you don't have fresh garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder works as a substitute.

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