Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia Recipe
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a quick and healthy dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors. The delicate, flaky texture of tilapia is complemented perfectly by the tangy lemon, zesty pepper, and a touch of garlic. It’s a light and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time!
Enjoy tender, flaky tilapia infused with the brightness of lemon and the slight heat of freshly cracked black pepper. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
It’s easy, healthy, and requires minimal ingredients. The natural flavors of the fish shine through while being enhanced by a simple seasoning blend, making this a foolproof recipe for seafood lovers.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Lemon zester
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Tilapia:
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the seasoning adheres better to the fish.
3. Make the Seasoning Blend:
In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Season the Tilapia:
Place the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each fillet. Arrange lemon slices on top of the fillets for added flavor.
5. Bake the Fish:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the fish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad
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Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Lemon zester
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets fresh or thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon about 3 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the seasoning adheres better to the fish.
- Make the Seasoning Blend:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Season the Tilapia:
- Place the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the seasoning mixture generously over both sides of each fillet. Arrange lemon slices on top of the fillets for added flavor.
- Bake the Fish:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the fish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad
Tips for Cooking
- Don’t overcook the tilapia—check it at the 12-minute mark to ensure it stays moist and tender.
- For a slightly crispy texture, broil the fish for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with a drizzle of extra lemon juice for added freshness.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia is not only healthy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
With its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation, this Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for seafood lovers or anyone looking for a wholesome, delicious meal. Try it tonight and enjoy the fresh, zesty taste of lemon pepper goodness!
