Dinner

Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

Name: Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large Tilapia fillets; 1 large onion, thick sliced; 2 cups peppers, cut into medium thick strips; 3-4 fresh lemon slices; 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 (or regular paprika); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Bymia larkspur February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

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Introduction

Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the delicate texture of tilapia with a zesty, buttery marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

A metal pan filled with four large pieces of golden-brown cooked fish fillets, each with a slightly crispy, seasoned crust. Beneath the fish are layers of cooked yellow and red bell pepper strips mixed with soft, translucent onion slices. On top and around the fish fillets are four bright yellow lemon wedges adding a fresh contrast. The pan has some light orange sauce pooling around the ingredients, blending the colors together. The whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large tilapia fillets
1 large onion, thick sliced
2 cups peppers, cut into medium thick strips
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mixed dry herb)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (substitute with regular paprika if needed)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3-4 fresh lemon slices

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
Step 3: On a baking tray, spread the sliced onions and pepper strips in a single layer.
Step 4: Place the tilapia fillets on top of the vegetables and generously brush the marinade over both sides of each fillet.
Step 5: Arrange the fresh lemon slices over the fish.
Step 6: Bake in the upper third of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Serve the baked tilapia on a bed of rice with your favorite veggies, spooning any leftover lemon butter sauce from the pan over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the fish for 15-30 minutes before baking.
Try substituting tilapia with other white fish like cod or haddock.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat.
If you prefer, use fresh herbs such as parsley or basil instead of dried Italian seasoning.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed cold over salads as well.

How to Serve

The image shows close-up pieces of golden brown, crispy fish with a seasoned, slightly rough crust, with white flaky flesh visible inside one piece. Beneath the fish are sautéed strips of red and yellow peppers with a soft, glossy texture, mixed with caramelized onions that add a light brown color. The dish is garnished with a lemon wedge in the background, adding a hint of yellow. A fork is pressing into the center piece of fish, showing the flaky texture clearly. The surface beneath the dish is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and baking to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?

Tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The baking time of 10-12 minutes at 400°F usually ensures it is perfectly done without drying out.