Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia: Simple & Flavorful

Looking for a quick and healthy tilapia recipe? Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia is perfect. It serves 3 to 4 people and takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s ideal for a fast weeknight dinner, needing just 10 to 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook.

This dish has a light, citrusy taste. It’s great for those who want a tasty tilapia recipe without spending hours cooking. You’ll need 1.5 pounds of tilapia and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, along with lemon juice and other ingredients.

Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia is not only tasty but also packed with protein, offering 34.6 grams per serving. It has 273 calories per serving, making it a low-calorie fish dinner option. Serve it with garlic butter green beans and other sides for a complete meal.

Key Takeaways

• Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia is an easy tilapia recipe that serves 3 to 4 people.
• The recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, with a prep time of 10 to 15 minutes and a cook time of approximately 20 minutes.
• The dish is a great source of protein, with 34.6 grams per serving.
• The total calories per serving are 273, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a fish dinner.
• Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia pairs well with garlic butter green beans and other side dishes.
• The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and other ingredients to create a tasty and aromatic dish.
• The recommended baking temperature is 425ºF, and the baking time until the fish is cooked through is 18 to 20 minutes.

Introduction to Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

Tilapia is a favorite for quick dinners because it’s mild and healthy. You can bake it in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with protein and low in calories, making it a nutritious choice.

A 6-ounce serving of tilapia has about 200 calories and 33 grams of protein. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron. This makes it a great option for a healthy meal.

Tilapia has only 7 grams of fat and 29 milligrams of sodium per 6-ounce serving. Its health benefits and quick cooking make it a delicious and nutritious choice. Try baking it with lemon butter for a tasty and healthy dish.

What Makes Tilapia a Popular Choice?

Tilapia’s mild flavor makes it appealing to those who don’t like strong-tasting fish. It’s also affordable and easy to find, making it perfect for a quick dinner. Its health benefits and versatility in recipes make it a great addition to a healthy diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Tilapia

Tilapia is not just high in protein and low in calories. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It’s low in fat and sodium, making it a healthy meal option. With its quick cooking time, tilapia recipes are a great way to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make a tasty seafood dish like lemon butter baked tilapia, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need fresh tilapia fillets, the lemon butter sauce, and some extra flavor boosters.

The lemon butter sauce needs unsalted butter, lemon, garlic, parsley, sea salt, and black pepper. These mix together to make a creamy sauce that goes well with the tilapia. Having these ingredients is crucial for a simple yet delicious tilapia recipe.

Fresh Tilapia Fillets

Fresh tilapia fillets are the base of this dish. You’ll need 4 large fillets, each about 5-6 oz. They should be 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick.

Lemon Butter Sauce Components

The lemon butter sauce is key to this recipe. It needs 1/2 stick of unsalted butter, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You’ll also need 2 lemons for juice, zest, and slices.

Additional Flavor Enhancers

There are other ingredients that add to the dish’s flavor. You’ll need 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of drained capers, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.

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With these ingredients, you can make a delicious seafood dish that will wow your guests. The lemon butter seasoning and simple baked tilapia make for a mouth-watering meal perfect for any event.

Preparing the Tilapia

To start, rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is key to remove any impurities and excess moisture. It ensures your easy tilapia recipe turns out perfectly. Next, marinating the fillets adds extra flavor, making your tilapia with lemon butter even better.

Here’s a simple marinating process you can follow:

• Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water
• Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel
• Place the fillets in a shallow dish and brush with lemon juice and melted butter
• Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices
• Let the fillets marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb

After marinating, your tilapia fillets are ready to be baked with the lemon butter sauce. Remember to check the internal temperature of the fillets to ensure they’re cooked to perfection. With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious and flavorful easy tilapia recipe in no time, complete with a rich and tangy tilapia with lemon butter sauce.

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By following these preparation steps, you’ll create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends. So go ahead, give this easy tilapia recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of tilapia with lemon butter!

Making the Lemon Butter Sauce

To make a tasty seafood dish like simple baked tilapia, the lemon butter sauce is key. It’s made with melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and seasonings. A hint of lemon butter seasoning adds to the flavor.

Making the sauce is easy. First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells good. Next, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, stirring well.

Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This is what makes a seafood dish truly flavorful.

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When making the sauce, use fresh ingredients like real butter and lemons. Don’t overcook it, as this can make it too thick and lose its flavor. By following these tips and using the right amount of lemon butter seasoning, you’ll have a delicious sauce for your tilapia.

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of lemon butter seasoning

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute
3. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine
4. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly

Baking the Tilapia

To make a tasty and healthy baked fish, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This temperature is perfect for baking tilapia. It cooks evenly and quickly, making it great for a quick dinner. You can prepare the tilapia in just a few minutes. The baking time is about 12-15 minutes, depending on the fillet thickness.

It’s important to make sure the tilapia’s internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F for safety. You can use a food thermometer to check. To add flavor, top it with a mix of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before baking.

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• Use a 13×9 inches baking dish to accommodate the fillets.
• Drizzle the tilapia with lemon juice and sprinkle with garlic for added flavor.
• Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper for extra taste.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy baked fish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner. The result is a moist and flavorful tilapia that everyone will love.

Plating Your Dish

When you present your simple baked tilapia, you want to impress. A dish like this deserves to be shown off. Start by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They match the tilapia’s delicate taste.

For color, add lemon slices on top. This adds elegance and boosts the citrus flavor. You can also serve it with garlic lemon green beans or Mediterranean basmati rice. These are great with this seafood dish.

Here are some tips for presenting your baked tilapia:

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill
• Add lemon slices on top of the fish
• Serve with a side of garlic lemon seasoned green beans or Mediterranean basmati rice

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Follow these tips to make your baked tilapia look great. It will impress your family and friends. This dish will become a favorite, and your presentation will make it shine.

Pairing Suggestions

Creating a well-rounded meal with tilapia and lemon butter is all about the right sides and drinks. For a quick and healthy dinner, choose baked fish that goes well with the tilapia. Sides like sautéed veggies or roasted potatoes add a satisfying touch, making the meal complete.

Think about what drink to serve with your meal. A dry white wine pairs well with tilapia, balancing the dish’s richness. If you prefer not to drink wine, lemon water or a citrusy soda can refresh your palate between bites.

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• Rice, which provides a neutral background to soak up the flavorful sauce
• Quinoa, offering a nutritious and filling complement to the fish
• Israeli couscous, with its light, airy texture and mild taste
• Roasted potatoes, adding a satisfying crunch to the meal
• Sautéed asparagus, providing a burst of green freshness on the plate

These choices help make a balanced and enjoyable meal with your tilapia and lemon butter. Each part, from the fish to the sides, adds to a delightful dinner experience.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious easy tilapia recipe, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store them right to keep the dish fresh and safe. You can keep leftover tilapia with lemon butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your tilapia recipes fresh, refrigerate them at 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. When you reheat, make sure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety.

For a simple baked tilapia recipe, reheat it in the oven or microwave. But, thin fish fillets might dry out. So, add extra stock or water before reheating to keep it moist.

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Reheating Tips

• Reheat the tilapia in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Reheat the tilapia in the microwave for 30-45 seconds per serving.
• Add extra stock or water before reheating to maintain moisture.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your easy tilapia recipe again. It will still taste great and have the same texture.

Nutritional Information

Tilapia is a great choice for a healthy baked fish. A single fillet of tilapia (116 grams) has 23 grams of protein. This makes it perfect for boosting your protein intake. It also has vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, potassium, and selenium.

Lemon butter baked tilapia is a tasty addition to a healthy diet. The lemon butter adds a rich, tangy flavor. Yet, it doesn’t lose its nutritional value. With only 55 milligrams of cholesterol in a 4-ounce serving, tilapia is low in cholesterol.

Tilapia is a good choice for those who care about their health. Here’s a look at what’s in a single fillet of tilapia:

In summary, lemon butter baked tilapia is a healthy and tasty seafood dish. It’s high in protein and low in cholesterol. It’s a great choice for a healthy baked fish.

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FAQs About Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

Preparing a tasty seafood dish like tilapia with lemon butter can raise questions. This simple recipe is easy to make and healthy. Here are answers to common questions to help you start.

Many ask about cooking time. Lemon butter baked tilapia cooks in 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Remember, it should reach 145 degrees F internally, as the USDA suggests.

Common Questions Addressed

Questions also include ingredient swaps and avoiding overcooking. You can swap capers for olives or artichoke hearts. Check the tilapia at 10 minutes to adjust cooking time if needed.

Troubleshooting Cooking Issues

Issues like a strong fishy smell can happen. Try rinsing the tilapia under cold water or soaking it in salted ice water. Adding extra stock or water when reheating helps prevent drying out. These tips will help you make a delicious seafood dish.

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When making this recipe, use fresh ingredients and don’t overcrowd the dish. Following these tips will help you make a healthy and tasty meal. This dish is great for any occasion, whether it’s a quick dinner or a special meal.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Lemon butter baked tilapia is a tasty and healthy baked fish option. It’s simple to make at home. You can try different tilapia recipes to find new favorites.

Feel free to add your own twist to the recipe. Try new herbs, spices, or side dishes. The world of easy tilapia recipe variations is vast and exciting.

We hope this guide was helpful and inspired you to try lemon butter baked tilapia. Share your cooking stories with us. We’re eager to hear about your culinary adventures!