Transform your weeknight dinner with this quick and flavorful Tilapia Bake! This easy baked fish recipe combines tender, flaky tilapia fillets with a buttery garlic-lemon sauce, a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky kick, and a golden panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect crunch. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy nights or when youβre entertaining guests with minimal effort. The fresh burst of lemon zest and parsley brightens every bite, while the optional broiler finish gives the breadcrumbs a toasty, irresistible texture. Serve it with roasted vegetables, a crisp side salad, or steamed rice for a well-rounded, healthy meal thatβs as easy as it is delicious. Perfect for fans of baked fish recipes, quick dinners, and seafood lovers alike!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (about 20β30 seconds).
Zest the lemon, then cut it in half. Squeeze the juice from one half and reserve the other half for slices or garnish.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter. Whisk until combined.
Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring they are fully coated.
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the fillets for a light crust.
Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking to lightly toast the breadcrumbs.
Remove the tilapia from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges or slices from the remaining lemon half.
Calories |
1194 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.3 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.8 g | 159% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 3054 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.7 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 109.8 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 118 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 1725 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.