Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia is my favorite quick and delicious dinner dish. I love how the buttery garlic flavor enhances the mild tilapia. It’s easy to make but delivers restaurant-quality results.

Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia recipe

Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia is a simple yet flavorful dish. It features tender tilapia fillets baked with a mix of melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a savory and bright flavor.

Garlic butter roasted tilapia is healthy and yummy

This dish is a popular choice for quick, healthy meals. It’s low in calories, high in protein, and easy to prepare. The dish can be ready in 20 to 30 minutes. It’s often served with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners!

Here’s how to make the Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia:

Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia

A quick, flavorful dish with tender tilapia fillets roasted in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a healthy, easy dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets about 5-6 oz each
3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano or parsley
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest.
Place the fillets on the baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is flaky and opaque. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Add more lemon juice after baking for extra freshness.
Works well with other white fish like cod or haddock.

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 28gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 350mg

Keyword Christmas recipe, dinner recipe, Easter recipes, easy recipes, fish recipe, healthy recipes

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How to pair

Garlic butter roasted tilapia goes well with a variety of side dishes and beverages.

Side Dishes
- Garlic bread absorbs the extra sauce.
- Asparagus complements the garlic butter sauce.
- Caesar salad offers a refreshing crunch.
- Lemon herb rice enhances the fish’s buttery taste.
- Roasted potatoes provide a hearty side.
- Grilled zucchini adds a summery touch.
- Quinoa pilaf provides a protein-packed side.
- Sautéed spinach balances the garlic butter.
- Mango salsa adds a tropical twist.
Beverages
- White wine enhances the tilapia’s buttery flavor.
- Sparkling wine adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Light lagers keep the tilapia’s flavor delicate.
- Wheat beer enhances garlic and lemon notes.
- Lemonade contrasts with the dish’s richness.
- Unsweetened iced tea refreshes the palate.

Variations

Garlic butter roasted tilapia can be varied in numerous ways. Here are some versions you can try:

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Tilapia
- Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter mixture.
- After baking, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or pasta.
Spicy Cajun Garlic Tilapia
- Replace paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes with 1-2 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with a cooling avocado salsa or coleslaw to balance the heat.
Mediterranean Herb Garlic Tilapia
- Add 1 tsp dried basil and 1 tsp dried thyme to the garlic butter mixture.
- Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives before baking.
- Serve with a side of couscous or a Greek salad.
Lemon Dill Garlic Tilapia
- Replace oregano with 1 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried dill.
- Add an extra 1 tbsp lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
- Garnish with fresh dill and serve with roasted asparagus or quinoa.
Asian-Inspired Garlic Ginger Tilapia
- Replace oregano with 1 tsp grated ginger and 1 tbsp soy sauce.
- Add 1 tsp sesame oil to the garlic butter mixture.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Coconut Lime Garlic Tilapia
- Replace olive oil with 1 tbsp coconut oil.
- Add 1/2 tsp lime zest and 1 tbsp lime juice instead of lemon.
- Sprinkle with shredded coconut before baking for a tropical twist.
- Serve with coconut rice or a mango salsa.
Cheesy Garlic Herb Crusted Tilapia
- Mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- After brushing the fillets with the garlic butter mixture, press the breadcrumb mixture onto the fish.
- Bake as usual for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Smoky Chipotle Garlic Tilapia
- Replace paprika with 1 tsp chipotle powder or 1 tbsp adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers.
- Add 1 tsp honey to the garlic butter mixture for a sweet-spicy balance.
- Serve with a side of black beans and corn salsa.

Contents

Garlic Butter Roasted Tilapia recipe