Baked Tilapia

My recipe for baked tilapia is light, flavorful, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. I make the entire dish in one pan for easy prep and cleanup.

My Favorite Tilapia Recipe

I was at a weekend farmers market last summer when some tilapia fillets caught my eye and I got the idea to try baked tilapia. I didn’t have anything planned for dinner yet, so I grabbed some lemon and parsley and decided to wing it.

Of course, I got pulled in a bunch of directions the rest of the day with kids’ activities and helping my husband Ben with yard work. So once it was time for dinner, I knew I wanted something super simple.

I melted the butter and seasoned the fish right in the pan while the oven preheated to save on cleanup, and it worked so well! I’ve pan fried and grilled tilapia in the past, but honestly, my baked tilapia recipe is my favorite for getting it super tender and flaky. Even my kids were asking for seconds!

And if you love easy seafood recipes, try my recipes for blackened mahi mahi, tilapia in the air fryer, shrimp salad, air fryer salmon, and air fryer cod.

Baked Tilapia Recipe Ingredients

• Tilapia – I like to use fresh tilapia fillets for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter – Unsalted butter lets me control the amount of salt I want to use in the dish.
• Lemon – I use fresh lemon juice and zest in the butter and garlic mixture in the pan and then add slices right on top of the fish to infuse flavor as it bakes. This really brightens the tilapia!
• Garlic – Garlic adds depth and richness to the butter mixture. I always use freshly minced garlic.
• Salt and pepper – This balances the richness of the butter and brings out the natural flavors of the tilapia.
• Crushed red pepper – I love how this ingredient adds just a little kick of heat without overpowering the fish.
• Parsley – This is perfect for adding a burst of herby freshness.

How to cook tilapia IN THE oven

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Add the butter, lemon juice, zest, and minced garlic to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Place it in the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees F. Once the butter is melted, remove the baking dish from the oven.

STEP TWO: Lay the tilapia on top of the lemon and garlic butter. Season one side with salt, pepper, and red pepper. Flip and season the other side. Add the slices of lemons on top.

STEP THREE: Bake it for 10-12 minutes or until the fillets are white and tender yet still a little bit firm. Garnish it with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for the Best bAKED tILAPIA

• I look for the freshest fish I can find which means fillets that are firm, moist, and odorless. If the tilapia smells fishy, I don’t want it!
• I try to choose tilapia fillets that are about the same thickness so they’ll cook at the same rate.
• Melt the butter directly in the baking dish while the oven is preheating instead of in a separate bowl in the microwave. This is my trick to making everything in one-pan for easy cleanup.
• For extra richness, I like to spritz the tops of the fish with a little cooking spray.
• I check the tilapia for flakiness to see when it’s done. I use a fork to cut into the thickest part of the fish, and if it flakes easily, I know it’s ready.

oven baked tilapia Variations and Substitutions

• I sometimes sprinkle paprika over the tilapia for more color and a mild, smoky flavor.
• If I want to take my tilapia to the next level, I’ll mix some fresh herbs with breadcrumbs and use that to coat the fish before baking to add AMAZING flavor and texture.
• For a Mediterranean twist, I’ll swap the butter out for olive oil and incorporate some chopped tomatoes, capers, black olives, and feta cheese into the dish.
• When I’m in the mood for Italian flair, I’ll add a thin layer of pesto over the tilapia fillets before baking, then finish with tomato slices and fresh mozzarella.
• If I’m craving some heat, I’ll rub Cajun seasoning on both sides of the tilapia before baking.

What to Serve With THIS baked tilapia recipe

My baked tilapia recipe goes with pretty much anything! When I want a super cozy meal, I’ll make easy potato soup, mashed potatoes, or sliced potatoes in the air fryer.

If I’m in the mood for a lighter meal, I’ll serve baked tilapia with asparagus in the oven, artichoke salad, or air fryer cabbage.

Baked Tilapia FAQs

How long TO COOK TILAPIA IN THE OVEN

I bake tilapia at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. The fillets cook pretty quickly, so I check on them at the 10-minute mark to see if I can flake them easily with a fork at the thickest part. If not, I give them another minute or two.

How to store leftover OVEN BAKED TILAPIA

I let my tilapia fully cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I try to eat the rest of the fish within 3 days.

How to reheat tilapia in the oven

To reheat baked tilapia, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and put the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out and let it bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

What temperature does tilapia need to be cooked at?

I like to cook tilapia at 400 degrees F for 10-12 minutes. The goal is to make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F at the thickest part, so if I’m ever unsure, I check with an instant read thermometer.

Is fresh or frozen tilapia best for this baked tilapia recipe?

I always try to use fresh tilapia because the flavor and texture is so much better! That being said, I’ve used frozen fish in a pinch. I thaw it overnight in the fridg

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