This Baked Lemon Tilapia is a simple, flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. The mild fish is topped with a bright, buttery lemon sauce and bakes up tender and flaky. It’s a healthy, foolproof meal that feels both light and satisfying.

Love Baked Lemon Tilapia? So do we! If you're into Dinner Ideas or curious about Dessert Recipes, you'll find plenty of inspiration below.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Tilapia

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Bright & Refreshing: Zesty lemon and herbs enhance the mild fish.
• Healthy Protein: A lean, baked option that’s light yet satisfying.
• Versatile Base: Pairs well with almost any side dish.

Ingredients & Tools

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz or 170 g each)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large lemons
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Tools: A baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil, a small bowl, a microplane or fine grater, a citrus juicer (optional but helpful).

Notes: Using fresh lemons and garlic is non-negotiable here—they provide the vibrant, aromatic backbone of the dish. The dried oregano offers an earthy depth that balances the citrus, while the paprika adds a subtle warmth and a lovely golden color to the fish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12-15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Pat your fish dry. This is the single most important step for getting a nice, non-steamed texture. Any excess moisture on the surface of the fillets will create steam in the oven, preventing that lovely, light flakiness.
• Don’t skip the fresh lemon zest. The zest is where all the potent, fragrant lemon oils live. It packs a much bigger flavor punch than the juice alone and will make your sauce taste incredibly vibrant and complex.
• Use a light hand with the seasoning. Tilapia is delicate, so you want to enhance it, not overpower it. The salt, pepper, and herbs are there to support the lemon and butter, not to dominate the show.
• Check for doneness early. Fish continues to cook after it comes out of the oven, so it’s better to check a minute or two before the timer goes off. Overcooked tilapia can become tough and rubbery, which we absolutely want to avoid.

How to Make Baked Lemon Tilapia

Storage & Freshness Guide

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.
• Reviving: Reheat gently in a covered dish with a splash of water at 275°F until warm.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• Herbed Rice Pilaf — The fluffy, aromatic grains are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the lemony butter sauce, making sure you get all that wonderful flavor.
• Roasted Asparagus — The earthy, slightly charred taste of asparagus is a classic partner for lemon and fish, creating a beautifully balanced and colorful plate.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes — For a more comforting, hearty meal, the creamy, rich potatoes provide a lovely textural contrast to the light, flaky fish.

Drinks

• A Crisp Sauvignon Blanc — This wine’s characteristic citrus and herb notes mirror the flavors in the dish perfectly, creating a harmonious and refreshing pairing.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon — A simple, non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate between bites and enhances the citrus theme of the meal.
• Iced Herbal Tea — A chilled mint or lemon verbena tea complements the light, fresh character of the tilapia without adding any sweetness.

Something Sweet

• Lemon Sorbet — Continuing the citrus theme with a clean, palate-cleansing dessert that feels light and refreshing after the main course.
• Berry Crumble — The sweet-tart burst of baked berries with a buttery oat topping provides a warm, comforting finish that contrasts nicely with the savory fish.
• Shortbread Cookies — A simple, buttery cookie is a subtle and elegant way to end the meal without overwhelming the senses.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Skipping the pat-dry step. If you put wet fish in the oven, it will steam instead of bake. This leads to a mushy, watery texture rather than the desired tender, flaky flakes. A quick pat with a paper towel makes all the difference.
• Mistake: Overcooking the fish. Tilapia cooks very quickly and has very little fat. Leaving it in the oven for just a few minutes too long can turn it from moist and delicate to tough and chewy. It’s done as soon as it’s opaque and flakes easily.
• Mistake: Using bottled lemon juice. The flavor is flat and often has a preservative aftertaste that will dull your entire dish. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is vibrant, bright, and absolutely essential for the best results.
• Mistake: Crowding the baking