Easy Baked Tilapia with Garlic Butter in 30 Minutes

This baked tilapia with garlic butter recipe is expertly designed to deliver a complete, delicious meal from prep to plate in just 30 minutes. With approximately 10 minutes of active preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time, it perfectly fits into even the busiest of evenings. The secret lies in its high-temperature cooking, which guarantees tender, succulent fillets without any prolonged waiting. This reliable method ensures you can bring a light, flavourful fish dish to your table with minimal effort, making healthy eating both convenient and enjoyable for any day of the week.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2 tilapia fillets (approx. 5.3-6.3 oz (150-180g) each)
• 1.8 oz (50g) unsalted butter
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 lemon (juice and grated zest)
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
• Fine salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (Gas Mark 6). Line a baking tray with baking paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with kitchen paper, then arrange them on the prepared baking tray. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat. Remove from the heat, then stir in the finely chopped garlic, the juice of half a lemon, and the grated zest. Mix well.
4. Pour the butter and garlic mixture evenly over each tilapia fillet, ensuring each piece is well coated.
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, sprinkle with the fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the baked tilapia hot, perhaps accompanied by basmati rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish and compromising its texture.

Nutrition

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

One Last Thing

Integrating simple, speedy recipes like this into your weekly routine helps maintain a balanced lifestyle. This approach to cooking, which values efficiency without sacrificing taste, makes it possible to enjoy fresh dishes even on the most hectic days. It’s a way to ensure a nutritious and satisfying meal, without the stress.