Best Oven-Baked Tilapia Recipe – How to Bake Lemon Garlic Tilapia
Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the taste of tender, flaky fish cooked to perfection. This oven-baked tilapia recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With a mouth-watering blend of lemon and garlic flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (approximately 4 ounces each)
– Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, for heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
2. Season both sides of the tilapia fillets with salt and freshly ground pepper.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat.
4. Stir the lemon zest and juice into the garlic-oil mixture.
5. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon an equal amount of the lemon-garlic mixture over each fillet.
6. Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Transfer the cooked fish to serving plates, spooning any remaining lemon-garlic sauce from the baking sheet over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes – steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa or a simple salad.
Conclusion:
This simple oven-baked tilapia recipe infused with lemon and garlic is a healthy and tasty way to enjoy a seafood meal. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners. Give this delectable dish a try, and you might just find yourself adding it to your regular meal rotation!