This delicate, flaky fish can be prepared deliciously by baking it. This recipe covers whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight meal or a nutritious option.
With a few readily available ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can prepare a flavorful and satisfying dish that will surely please the entire family. This article, will explain recipes for baked tilapia in the oven.
Ingredients
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Recipes For Baked Tilapia In The Oven
Instruction
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Place the tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or grease gently with cooking spray.
- Ensure the tilapia fillets are well coated with olive oil by drizzling it over them. This will assist in keeping the salmon moist while baking.
- Garnish the fillets with minced garlic to infuse them with a delicious aroma and flavor.
- Season each fillet with a sprinkling of salt, pepper, and paprika if you prefer a hint of smokiness.
- Garnish each fillet with lemon slices to add a fresh and acidic element.
- Bake the tilapia in a preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until opaque and flaking readily with a fork. Be mindful that cooking times may vary marginally depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Garnish your beautifully baked tilapia with fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to add color and fragrance. Serve with the side dishes of your choice, such as steamed vegetables or quinoa salad.
Variations
1. Parmesan-Crusted Baked Tilapia
Create a Parmesan crust for an additional flavor and texture layer. Combining breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese gratings, coat the tip of each fillet.
The coating will become golden brown and acquire a delightful crunch as it bakes.
2. Mediterranean Baked Tilapia
To give tilapia a Mediterranean taste, season the fish with lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
For a Mediterranean flavor burst, add sliced cherry tomatoes and sour Kalamata olives.
3. Asian-Inspired Baked Tilapia
Before baking your tilapia fillets, marinate them for 30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
For an authentic Asian accent, sprinkle sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the fillets.
4. Pesto Baked Tilapia
Before baking, transform your tilapia fillets into a basil-infused masterpiece by applying a generous layer of pesto sauce.
You can purchase pesto or prepare it yourself with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
5. Cajun Spiced Baked Tilapia
Before baking the tilapia, season it with a Cajun spice blend to create a zesty and mildly spicy dish. Typical components of this concoction include paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Serve your Cajun-seasoned tilapia with rice and sauteed vegetables to create a complete and satisfying entrée.
Is Fresh Or Frozen Tilapia Best?
You have the best chance of receiving high-quality fish if you have access to fish that has been newly caught, cleaned, and sold within 48 hours. Other than that, it is likely that any fish you purchase has been frozen to preserve its freshness during transport.
Fish is also processed and preserved shortly after capture. So you can be sure that the fish in the freezer case is at least as good as the fish at the counter, if not better!
How Long To Bake Tilapia?
You may be unsure of the appropriate method if you have never baked tilapia. Here are some quick suggestions for baking the best tilapia:
As with most fish fillets, tilapia boils quite rapidly! You should check on it after 10 minutes in the oven or earlier if your oven is particularly heated.
They are ready when the fillets flake readily with a fork (but are not dry).
If using one, insert the meat thermometer sideways into the thickest portion of the fillet. The temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving Suggestions
- A Smashing Side Dish: I like serving these delicious fillets with my Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes because tender potatoes go well with roasted fish. Add a green salad, and the meal is complete!
- A Gift of Goodness: Using these beautiful parchment packages, you can also bake your vegetables and starch at the same time; try my Spring Vegetables and Potatoes Baked in Parchment. Feel free to substitute the vegetables that are in season in your area.
How To Store And Reheat Leftovers
To refrigerate leftover fillets, place them in an opaque container. Keep refrigerated for up to three days.
To keep the fillets fresh, lay them out in a single line on a baking sheet or platter. Freeze until it’s really cold. First, put the frozen steaks in freezer bags. Next, take out as much air as you can before sealing the bags. You can freeze the pieces for up to three weeks.
To reheat frozen fish, first defrost it. Place the fillets at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the fillets in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. The texture of the seafood may become drier after storage and reheating.
Due to its delectable flavor combination and simplicity of preparation, baked tilapia in the oven is a go-to recipe for those seeking a simple, nutritious, and delicious meal. Enjoy the wholesome deliciousness of this succulent fish dish by giving it a try.
Read More: How To Cook Raw Shrimp On Stove Top?