Baked Tilapia with Garlic Butter and Lemon in 20 Minutes

Whipping up a flavourful and nutritious supper in under half an hour is entirely achievable with this baked tilapia recipe. With just 5 minutes of active preparation and 15 minutes of cooking, this dish seamlessly integrates into your weekly schedule, providing a complete, stress-free meal. The secret lies in rapid, high-temperature cooking, which ensures tender, succulent fish fillets, while the garlic butter and lemon impart a rich, aromatic flavour. This method maximises efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal even on the busiest evenings, transforming simple ingredients into a refined yet light dish. This recipe is designed for those seeking practical solutions without compromising on taste or quality.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets (approx. 5.3-6.3 oz / 150-180g each), defrosted and patted dry
• 1.1 oz (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Fine salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan) or 220°C (conventional) and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Thoroughly pat the tilapia fillets dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess moisture, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, mixing well to emulsify.
4. Arrange the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking tray and spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon slices if desired.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the baked tilapia hot, accompanied by a light side dish such as steamed asparagus or a simple green salad. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Freezing cooked fish is not recommended.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

This recipe showcases how a few simple ingredients and a clear method can create a satisfying and healthy meal, even on your busiest evenings. Integrating such straightforward solutions into your routine simplifies meal planning and ensures a well-balanced table, proving stress-free cooking leads to delightful results.