Baked Tilapia Recipe (2024)

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Make this easy baked tilapia recipe in under 20 minutes! It is really a very quick dinner idea that is packed with flavor and budget friendly.

Tilapia is by far my favorite fish. It is light and flaky and doesn’t have that “fishy” taste that others might have. Plus, I love how fast I can cook fish. This is an easy seafood recipe but delicious gluten free dinner idea.

Ingredients:

• Tilapia fillets
• lemon pepper seasoning
• Lemon slices – Lemons are optional, but I think the fresh lemon juice adds even more flavor

How to bake tilapia

First, you need a good baking sheet or you can use a 9×13 baking pan. You can line it with aluminum foil.

Brush with olive oil or non stick spray. If you want an easier clean up, line the pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.

Next, season the fish with your favorite seasonings and place on the pan. I really like lemon pepper seasoning best. I also like lemon, garlic, and pepper. You could use the lemon pepper seasoning and then add in some garlic salt.

The last step is to bake the fish in a preheated oven at 425 degrees. It only takes about 15 minutes or until the fish turns white and isn’t translucent anymore.

You will know it is finished cooking, because it turns white, and Fish flakes easily with a fork once cooked.

Use a meat thermometer test the thickest part of the temp and you will want it to read at least 145 degrees.

Salt and pepper to taste. It takes very little work to make this easy tilapia recipe. Plus, it’s healthy too.

Expert Tips:

• This fish recipe is also really good with butter garlic. Just mix in a small bowl and coat the fish.
  
• I also have used lemon juice and lime juice to season the tilapia. It’s so good.
  
• If you use lemon juice, you might want to use a baking dish because of the extra liquid.

How long to cook tilapia in oven

Now, I normally buy my Tilapia at Sam’s because I love how they are individually frozen. I can thaw them in water in about 5 minutes.

So from freezer to plate is about 25 minutes. Baking tilapia is so quick and easy!

You really don’t have excuses not to eat healthy now. Plus I find it more reasonably priced at Sam’s.

How to bake tilapia from frozen

Just follow the same instructions but add 5 minutes to the cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it is done but not overcooked.

Even frozen tilapia recipes are fast and easy.

How to Season Tilapia

• Top with garlic salt and parmesan cheese
• Top with Blackened seasoning or paprika
• Use a Steak seasoning. Yes, its made for steak, but it is also great on fish.
• Season Tilapia with taco seasoning and fresh lime juice or lemon zest.
• Serve with a garlic butter sauce

Should You Wash Tilapia Before Baking?

No, you do not have to wash tilapia before baking.

What to serve with Oven baked tilapia?

• I served my fish with some easy microwaved steamed broccoli and then some parmesan pasta.
• Cauliflower rice is great if you are eating low carb
• It’s also really good with the Best Coleslaw Recipe.
• We also love Crock Pot Baked Potatoes. This is perfect for feeding a crowd if you need to make several potatoes at once. I love that they stay warm.

How to store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

More Fish Recipes to Make:

• Lemon Pepper grilled Tilapia
• The Best Blackened Tilapia Recipe
• Easy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
• 5 Ingredient Garlic Parmesan Tilapia
• Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe