Easy Baked Tilapia with Lemon: Perfect 20-Minute Recipe
A quick and healthy baked tilapia recipe infused with zesty lemon and simple seasonings. Ready in just 20 minutes, this light and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Zester for lemon zest
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- For the Tilapia:
- 4 tilapia fillets about 1.5 lbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Prepare Fillets: Pat tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Make Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Season Tilapia: Brush the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over each tilapia fillet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.