Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner, this Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia is your go-to recipe. With its bright lemony notes and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to bring a burst of fresh flavor to your table.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia

Tilapia fillets are the stars of this dish, providing a mild and flaky base that absorbs flavors beautifully. Olive oil adds richness and helps distribute the seasonings evenly. Lemon juice and zest bring a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the fish. Garlic powder and onion powder offer a savory depth, while dried oregano and thyme introduce earthy, aromatic notes. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the tilapia fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder.
  • For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables to keep the meal wholesome and balanced. A side of couscous or quinoa also complements the flavors beautifully, soaking up any leftover juices for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
What other herbs can I use?
Fresh dill or basil can be delicious substitutes or additions to the herb mix.
How do I know when the fish is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Zesty Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get your oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step that ensures the fish cooks evenly once it’s in the oven. While the oven is warming up, rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture, allowing the seasoning to stick better.

Next, in a small bowl, combine all your flavor powerhouses: olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to create a fragrant marinade. This is where all the magic happens — you’ll want every bit of your fish to be kissed by this blend.

Lay the fillets in a baking dish, making sure they’re not overlapping. Now, brush the lemon herb mixture generously over each fillet, ensuring they’re well-coated. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a final touch of freshness. Serve the fish hot, straight from the oven, for the best experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and cook, perfect for busy nights.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have.
  • Light and healthy, yet satisfying and full of flavor.
  • Minimal cleanup — just one baking dish!

Ingredients

4 fillets of tilapia
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish and brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!