Baked Tilapia Recipe is the kind of dinner that makes weeknights stress-free. With a simple spice rub, fresh lemon, and a quick bake in the oven, you’ve got tender, flaky fish in minutes. It’s light, flavorful, and pairs well with just about any side. Best part? It all comes together in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Healthy, satisfying, and fast this one’s a keeper.
Why This Baked Tilapia Recipe Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can have this dish ready in about 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One baking dish means less mess.
- Big flavor: Fresh herbs and spices make this fish taste amazing.
How to Make Baked Tilapia Recipe (3 Steps & Timing)
Preheat and Prep
Go ahead and fire up your oven to a steady 400°F (200°C). While that heats, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it so nothing sticks. Think of this as your stage—clean, simple, and ready for the star of the show. A quick swipe of oil or non-stick spray does the trick, and lining with parchment makes cleanup even easier.
Season the Fish
In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This combo gives you a balance of savory, smoky, and just a little kick. Rub the seasoning mix all over both sides of the tilapia fillets so they’re coated evenly. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor starts. Once seasoned, lay the fillets flat in the baking dish with a little breathing room between each piece.
Add Flavor & Bake
Now the fun part—layer lemon slices right on top of the fish. The citrus doesn’t just look nice, it keeps the fillets juicy and adds brightness. Sprinkle fresh parsley and dill across the top for that fresh, herby finish. If you want an extra boost of flavor and moisture, pour a splash of white wine and a bit of chicken broth around the fish. The liquid steams as it bakes, keeping everything tender and adding a subtle sauce you can spoon over later.
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are. You’ll know they’re done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. If your fillets are a little thicker, give them a couple extra minutes, but don’t walk away too long—tilapia cooks fast.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 4 tilapia fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- Instant rice or quinoa are quick and filling options.
- A simple salad with mixed greens is fresh and easy.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven to keep the fish crispy. Microwave heating can make the fish soggy.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables from the store.
- Buy pre-seasoned tilapia fillets for quick prep.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of fish for a different meal.
- Try bagged salad mixes for an easy side.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Swap tilapia for other white fish like cod or haddock.
- Use dried herbs instead of fresh if that’s what you have.
- Substitute lemon slices with lime for a different taste.
- Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
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Baked Tilapia
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fillets tilapia fillets (6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Toppings and Broth
- 1 lemon thinly sliced lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) Use for added flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional) Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Seasoning the Fish
- Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix over both sides of the tilapia fillets and place them in the baking dish.
Baking
- Lay lemon slices on top of the fish. Sprinkle with parsley and dill. If desired, pour white wine and chicken broth over the fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs About Baked Tilapia Recipe
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, frozen tilapia works great—just be sure to thaw it first. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the spices stick and to avoid extra water in the baking dish. Once thawed, follow the recipe as written for the best flavor and texture.
What if my tilapia comes out watery or dry?
If it’s watery, pour off any extra liquid halfway through baking. That keeps the fillets from steaming instead of roasting. If the fish turns out dry, check your oven time—it may need a couple minutes less. Tilapia cooks fast, so start checking at 10–12 minutes.
Can I swap tilapia for another fish?
Definitely. Cod, haddock, or even flounder are great substitutes. Just keep in mind that thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes to cook through. The seasoning and lemon topping work with all kinds of mild white fish.
Can I make baked tilapia ahead of time?
Sure thing. You can season the fillets a few hours before and keep them in the fridge until baking. Cooked tilapia also reheats well in the oven or air fryer, though it’s best fresh from the oven for that flaky, juicy texture.
Wrap-Up: Dinner Made Simple
This Baked Tilapia Recipe proves that a good dinner doesn’t have to take all night. With minimal prep, just a handful of ingredients, and one dish to wash, you’ve got fish that’s flaky, tender, and loaded with flavor. Add your favorite sides and you’ve got a healthy, satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy. Try it once, and it’ll be on repeat whenever you need a quick win at dinner.
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