How long to bake tilapia?

Baking time for tilapia depends on thickness and oven temperature. At 400°F, typical tilapia fillets (about 1-inch thick) take 10-15 minutes. Thinner fillets may cook in 8-10 minutes, while thicker ones might need 15-18 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as tilapia dries out quickly. Check doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part - it should flake easily. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F. For extra flavor and moisture, consider baking the fish in parchment paper or foil with herbs and lemon.

What temperature should you bake tilapia?

The ideal temperature for baking tilapia is between 375°F and 425°F. I recommend 400°F as it provides a good balance, cooking the fish quickly without drying it out. At this temperature, a typical tilapia fillet will cook through in 10-15 minutes. If you prefer a crispier exterior, you can start at 425°F for the first 5 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for the remainder of cooking time. Always preheat your oven before baking for even cooking, and consider using the convection setting if available for a nicely browned finish.

How do you know when tilapia is done?

Tilapia is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist - the flesh should separate into opaque flakes with no translucent areas. Another visual indicator is the color change; raw tilapia is translucent and pinkish-gray, while properly cooked tilapia turns completely opaque and white. Avoid overcooking, which makes the fish dry and tough. If using a meat thermometer, insert it sideways into the thickest part of the fillet to get an accurate reading.

What seasonings go well with baked tilapia?

Tilapia's mild flavor pairs well with various seasonings. Classic options include lemon, garlic, and herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme. For a Mediterranean flair, try oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. If you prefer spicy notes, cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder work well. Simple salt and black pepper are essential, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth. For an easy preparation, drizzle tilapia with olive oil, sprinkle with seasoning, and top with lemon slices before baking. A light coating of breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese adds pleasant texture to the finished dish.

Can you bake frozen tilapia without thawing?

Yes, you can bake frozen tilapia without thawing it first. Rinse the frozen fillets under cold water to remove any ice crystals, then pat dry. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the frozen tilapia in a baking dish. You'll need to increase the cooking time by about 50% - typically 18-22 minutes instead of the usual 10-15 minutes for thawed fish. Add seasonings as desired, but be aware that frozen fish may release more water, potentially diluting flavors. For best results, cover the dish with foil for the first half of cooking, then remove to allow browning.

Baked Tilapia: Quick Garlic Butter Fish Recipe

Name: Baked Tilapia
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 medium-sized tilapia fillets; – Salt to taste; – Freshly ground black pepper to taste; – ½ teaspoon dried thyme; – ½ teaspoon dried oregano; – ½ teaspoon ground paprika (regular, not hot or smoked); – 4 tablespoons melted butter; – 4 cloves garlic, minced; – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; – ¼ teaspoon lemon zest; – Lemon slices for garnish; – Red pepper flakes for garnish; – Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Description

🧄 This Garlic Butter Tilapia recipe delivers a flavorful, tender fish dish that’s quick and easy to prepare in the oven.
🍋 Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal, it combines buttery garlic and fresh lemon for a zesty, satisfying finish.

Ingredients

– 4 medium-sized tilapia fillets

– Salt to taste

– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

– ½ teaspoon dried thyme

– ½ teaspoon dried oregano

– ½ teaspoon ground paprika (regular, not hot or smoked)

– 4 tablespoons melted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– ¼ teaspoon lemon zest

– Lemon slices for garnish

– Red pepper flakes for garnish

– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1-Gathering Your Ingredients and Mise en Place: Before you heat up the oven, take a moment to prep your ingredients. This means mincing the garlic and melting the butter ahead of time, which cuts down on stress and keeps things moving smoothly. For a how-to on similar fish prep, check out our guide on grilled wahoo steaks for extra inspiration on handling seafood. Having everything lined up not only saves time but also lets you focus on the fun parts, like seasoning your fish. Aim for about 5 minutes of prep to keep this baked tilapia recipe efficient.

2-Preheating and Seasoning: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which is the sweet spot for cooking tilapia without drying it out. Lay your 4 medium-sized tilapia fillets in a 9×13 baking dish and season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon ground paprika. This step infuses the fish with flavor right from the start. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like a low-sodium option, just ease up on the salt. Once seasoned, the fillets are ready for that garlic butter mix, which includes whisking together 4 tablespoons melted butter, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon lemon zest in a bowl.

3-Baking and Serving: Pour the garlic butter mixture over your seasoned fillets and pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This timing works for most fillets, but always check a bit early to avoid overcooking. Once done, pull it out and garnish with lemon slices, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste. Serve it up with sides like rice or veggies to round out the meal, making this easy baked tilapia recipe a complete hit. For those curious about pasta pairings, our bowtie pasta recipe could be a great match to extend the flavors. Remember, adaptations for various diets are simple swap in olive oil for butter if you’re going dairy-free, and you’ve got a versatile dish. With a total time of around 20 minutes, this how to bake tilapia guide keeps things practical for everyone from busy parents to food enthusiasts.

Notes

⏱️ Check the fish at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; it cooks very quickly.
🌡️ Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe eating.
❄️ Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 weeks; reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 279
Sugar: 1 gram
Sodium: 190 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Saturated Fat: 8 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 4 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 35 grams
Cholesterol: 115 milligrams

Keywords: Garlic Butter Tilapia, Oven Baked Fish, Simple Fish Recipe, Healthy Seafood