Oven-Baked Tilapia with Lemon and Herbs Recipe
This Baked Tilapia recipe features tender fillets seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried parsley, and lemon juice. The fish is lightly coated in olive oil and baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in a flaky, zesty, and healthy seafood dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Perfect as a light dinner served alongside grains and vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Tilapia and Seasoning
- 4 fillets Tilapia
- 1 tbsp Paprika (use variety based on preferred heat level)
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- Salt, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1½ tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper powder, dried parsley, and salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and set the spice blend aside for later use.
- Coat Tilapia Fillets: Place the tilapia fillets on a plate and drizzle evenly with olive oil and lemon juice. Massage the fillets gently to ensure an even coating, which will infuse the fish with a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Season the Fillets: Sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet. Make sure each fillet is fully coated to maximize the flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange the seasoned tilapia fillets in a single layer on the tray, ensuring they are spaced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake the Tilapia: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking tray with the fillets into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven once the fish is cooked. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with fresh cilantro for added brightness before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the paprika variety to control the heat level of this dish, using sweet, smoked, or hot paprika as preferred.
- Using parchment paper on the baking tray helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Check the fish at around 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; the fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Pair baked tilapia with grains like brown rice, white rice, or quinoa, and serve alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley make excellent garnishes and can enhance the flavor.
Keywords: baked tilapia, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood recipe, oven baked fish, tilapia fillets, low fat dinner, quick dinner fish, paprika fish seasoning
