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Baked Tilapia

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Baked Tilapia is a simple, healthy, and delicious fish dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features mild, flaky tilapia fillets seasoned with a light combination of herbs and spices, then baked to perfection. With its tender texture and delicate flavor, tilapia pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from steamed vegetables to rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed from frozen)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a slight smoky flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 1/2 tsp lemon zest)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season the fillets: Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the tilapia fillets. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Gently rub the seasonings into the fish with your fingers to evenly coat the fillets.
  4. Bake the tilapia: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using thicker fillets, you may need to bake them for a few extra minutes. The tilapia should be opaque and tender when done.
  5. Finish with lemon: Once the tilapia is cooked, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets for a burst of brightness. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme for added color and flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the Baked Tilapia with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, quinoa, rice, or mashed potatoes. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for more zesty flavor.

Notes

Add a breadcrumb topping: For a crispy, golden crust, sprinkle a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the fillets before baking. You can also drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up.Spicy Baked Tilapia: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.Cilantro Lime Tilapia: After baking, drizzle the fillets with lime juice and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a fresh, tangy twist.Herbed Baked Tilapia: Top the fillets with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill before baking for extra flavor.Pesto Baked Tilapia: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the tilapia fillets before baking for a burst of aromatic flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/baked-tilapia/