LEMON GARLIC BUTTER TILAPIA

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Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia Recipe

A Quick & Easy Keto-Friendly Fish Dinner

Close-up view of fresh tilapia fillets on a marble cutting board, garnished with lemon slices and scattered seasonings under natural lighting.

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 280 per serving

Fat: 15g

Protein: 35g

Net Carbs: 2g

Difficulty: Easy

Dietary: Keto, Gluten-free, Low-carb

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Large baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • (Alternative: Use microwave-safe bowl for melting butter)

INGREDIENTS

Main Components:
  • 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz/170g each)
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Seasonings:
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices
Melted golden butter bubbling in a copper saucepan with sizzling minced garlic and fresh lemon zest, steam rising

METHOD

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels
  3. Season both sides of fish with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder
  4. Place fillets in greased baking dish, ensuring they don’t overlap
  5. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat until bubbling
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant
  7. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and zest
  8. Pour sauce evenly over fillets
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish flakes easily with fork
  10. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
Four seasoned tilapia fillets arranged in a ceramic baking dish, dusted with paprika and herbs.

CRUCIAL TIPS

  • Always pat fish dry – ensures proper browning
  • Don’t overcook – fish should be just opaque
  • Use fresh lemon – bottled juice affects flavor
  • Let butter cool slightly before adding lemon juice to prevent separation
Tilapia fillets baking in a lemon garlic butter sauce in an oven, with golden edges forming under warm lighting

STORAGE & SCALING

  • Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 3 days
  • Reheating: 350°F oven for 10 minutes
  • Scaling: Recipe easily doubles or halves
  • Freezing: Not recommended

VARIATIONS

  • Swap tilapia for cod or halibut
  • Add capers for extra tang
  • Use ghee for dairy-sensitive option
  • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Overcooking the fish
  • Not drying fish before seasoning
  • Using cold fish straight from fridge
  • Overcrowding the baking dish

Let fillets come to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking for most even results.

Flaky tilapia fillet with sauce and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wheels on a white plate

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