Baked Tilapia Recipe 400 Degrees: Flaky White Fish with Lemon Zest
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Baked Tilapia Recipe
Tilapia is one of the easiest fish to prepare, and baking it at 400°F (200°C) creates perfectly flaky fillets without drying them out. Fresh lemon zest brightens the mild flavor of the fish, while garlic, butter, and herbs create a light yet satisfying meal.
This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for quick weeknight dinners, healthy meal prep, or elegant family meals.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Season the Fish
Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Brush the lemon butter mixture generously over both sides of the fish.
4. Bake
Bake for 10 to 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).
5. Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Expert Tips
Choose fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Avoid overbaking, as tilapia cooks quickly and can become dry. Fresh lemon zest provides more vibrant flavor than bottled lemon juice alone. Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the butter mixture adhere.
Storage
Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or microwave at low power to maintain its moisture. Freezing cooked tilapia is possible for up to 2 months, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, buttered broccoli, quinoa, mixed salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
Add grated Parmesan during the final few minutes of baking, use Cajun seasoning for a spicy version, top with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella for a Mediterranean twist, or finish with capers and fresh dill for extra brightness.
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