Baked Tilapia in Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make baked tilapia recipe featuring a zesty lemon garlic sauce. This dish combines tender tilapia fillets baked with a buttery, herb-spiced marinade, fresh lemon slices, and colorful peppers and onions for a delicious and healthy meal perfect served over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Tilapia fillets
- 1 large onion, thick sliced
- 2 cups peppers, cut into medium thick strips
- 3–4 fresh lemon slices
Marinade Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the oven rack in the upper third position to ensure even baking.
- Arrange vegetables: In a baking tray, spread out the thickly sliced onions and pepper strips in a single layer. This will provide a tasty base for the fish.
- Marinate the tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets evenly on top of the veggies. Generously coat both sides of each fillet with the prepared lemon garlic butter marinade.
- Add lemon slices: Arrange 3 to 4 fresh lemon slices over and around the fish to infuse extra citrus flavor while baking.
- Bake the fish: Place the tray in the upper third of the oven and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tilapia is cooked through and flaky.
- Serve: Serve the baked tilapia on a bed of rice alongside your choice of vegetables. Spoon the leftover lemon butter sauce from the pan over the fish for added flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh tilapia fillets for best flavor and texture.
- If smoked paprika is unavailable, substitute with regular paprika.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste according to dietary needs.
- Optional onion powder enhances the marinade but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Leftover sauce can be saved for up to 2 days in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
Keywords: baked tilapia, lemon garlic sauce, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood dish, baked fish with peppers and onions
