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Flaky 12-Minute Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia

Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
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Enjoy flaky, moist Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia. This simple recipe captures bright, fresh flavor, making weeknight dinners special. Richard remembers this taste from a coastal trip, and Eleanor perfected the baking method for perfect moisture control.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large Lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the tilapia fillets very dry with paper towels. This step helps you achieve flaky fish instead of steamed fish.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the dried tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Brush the lemon butter mixture generously over both sides of each fillet.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the fish. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For extra brightness, add a pinch of dried oregano to the butter mixture.
  • If your fillets are very thick, you may need an extra minute or two of baking time. Check for doneness early.
  • We prefer using fresh parsley; it truly brings the final dish alive.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/baked-lemon-butter-tilapia-moist-flaky/