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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon lemon zest - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt to taste - Black pepper to taste - Lemon slices - Fresh parsley Lemon butter baked tilapia is simple yet bursting with flavor. The main ingredient is tilapia, a mild white fish. I love using fresh ingredients like unsalted butter and lemon juice to create a rich, zesty sauce. Garlic adds depth to the dish, making every bite delightful. For herbs and seasonings, consider using dried thyme and parsley. These herbs complement the lemon and fish perfectly. Make sure to add salt and black pepper to taste. A little seasoning goes a long way. Garnishes are optional but can enhance the dish's look. Fresh lemon slices add brightness. Chopped parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. Using these garnishes makes your meal not just tasty but also beautiful. If you want to see the full details of this delightful recipe, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line your baking dish with parchment paper. This step helps with easy cleanup. - In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, parsley, and salt. - Whisk until all ingredients blend well. This sauce adds a bright flavor to the fish. - Place the tilapia fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. - Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Make sure each piece is covered. - Bake for 15-20 minutes. The tilapia is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. - After baking, let the tilapia rest for a minute. This helps the juices settle. - Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving. - Use these tips for a lovely presentation: Serve on a white platter with any leftover sauce. Pair with fresh veggies or a salad for a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details in the ingredients section. To get the best results with your lemon butter baked tilapia, start by ensuring even cooking of the fillets. Lay the tilapia in a single layer in the baking dish. This way, each piece cooks uniformly without steaming one another. If fillets overlap, they may cook unevenly, leading to some parts being overdone while others are undercooked. Letting the tilapia rest a minute after baking is key too. This short pause allows the juices to settle and keeps the fish moist. If you cut into it too soon, the juices may run out, making it dry. You can elevate the flavors of your tilapia with a few simple tweaks. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil to the butter sauce. These herbs can bring a bright, fresh taste that complements the lemon. Another fun idea is to add a dash of hot sauce or paprika. These spices can add a kick of heat and depth. Just a sprinkle can change the flavor profile entirely and create a more exciting dish. Pair your lemon butter baked tilapia with side dishes that bring balance and color. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work well. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette also makes a great side. For the perfect drink, consider a chilled glass of white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs nicely with fish. These wines enhance the lemony flavor while keeping the meal light and refreshing. For the full recipe, visit the link here. {{image_4}} You can try different types of fish for this recipe. Salmon or cod works great. These fish have unique flavors that can enhance your dish. If you want a healthier twist, swap the butter with olive oil. Olive oil adds a light flavor and keeps the dish fresh. You can grill or bake your tilapia. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Baking is easy and keeps the fish moist. If you want a crispy finish, try broiling. Broiling gives a nice top layer of crunch while keeping the fish juicy inside. You can make this dish even more exciting. Add capers or olives for a salty kick. They bring a briny flavor that pairs well with lemon. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also brighten the dish. They add color and freshness to every bite. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover lemon butter baked tilapia, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Enjoy it within two days for the best taste. When reheating the tilapia, use the oven for even warmth. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave but do so in short bursts. This way, you avoid overcooking. To freeze lemon butter baked tilapia, let it cool first. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped fish in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The tilapia can stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the fish in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and firm. In the fridge, lemon butter baked tilapia lasts about two days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. After thawing, eat it within one day for the best flavor. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Freshness is key for great taste! You should bake tilapia at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Its color should change to opaque, indicating it is fully cooked. This method ensures the fish remains tender and moist. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. First, make sure to defrost the fish properly. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water for quicker defrosting. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the fish unevenly. Lemon butter baked tilapia goes well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Wild rice - Fresh garden salad - Quinoa salad with vegetables These pairings complement the light flavor of the fish. To check if tilapia is cooked right, look for a few signs: - The fish should be opaque throughout. - It should flake easily when you press it with a fork. - The edges should not look translucent. These signs mean your tilapia is ready to eat. Enjoy your meal with confidence! For the complete preparation details, check the Full Recipe. Lemon butter baked tilapia is simple yet flavorful. You learned the key ingredients like tilapia, butter, and lemon juice. I shared easy steps for baking, plus tips for taste and storage. Remember, experimenting with herbs can enhance your meal. Whether grilling or baking, you have options. Try different fish or spices to switch it up. With these ideas, your cooking journey can be fun and tasty. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia

Discover the zesty delight of Lemon Butter Baked Tilapia that will elevate your dinner parties and weeknight meals. This easy recipe features tender tilapia fillets smothered in a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that's ready in just 25 minutes. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully garnished, it's a feast for the eyes and taste buds. Click through for the complete recipe and impress your guests tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Lemon slices, for an eye-catching garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped, for a pop of color

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a medium-sized baking dish with parchment paper, which will facilitate an easy cleanup after baking.

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce.

      Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.

        Gently pour the lemon butter mixture over the tilapia, ensuring that each fillet is generously coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.

          Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout, signaling that it is fully cooked.

            Once cooked through, remove the tilapia from the oven and allow it to rest for about a minute for the juices to settle.

              Just before serving, garnish the dish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for added color and freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Makes 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the lemon butter baked tilapia fillets on a white serving platter, drizzled with any remaining lemon butter sauce from the baking dish. Pair the fish with a side of vibrant steamed vegetables or a crisp, fresh salad for a complete and visually appealing meal. Enjoy!