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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.
- Check out Best Sides for Tilapia for even more ideas.
How to store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Baked Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tilapia filets
- 3 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Line baking sheet or casserole dish with foil.
- Spray with non stick spray.
- Add Tilapia and top with seasonings (approximately ½ tsp per tilapia filet).
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork.
Yes any white fish will work great!
Is there a different kind of fish I can use??
The fish releases but liquid.
Where is all the liquid coming from in the dish picture? Is there butter in the recipe?
Cod doesn’t take as long. Generally just 10-15 minutes. I haven’t made Haddock fish before but based on my initial research it would take approximately 20 minutes at 425. Thanks!
How long for cod or hadock fish?
JACQUELINE if you can get to Costco over here they do a bag of them individually bagged, theres about 9 or 10 in there for £10 last time I got them. Works out better than getting the cod. plus nutritionally tilapia has much more protein per 100g.
So glad you loved it!
I made this for my mom and pop. They loved it thanks for the recipe.It turn out great
I love tilapia. I make it on the stove and I brush a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce,honey, basil, parsley, oregeno, brown sugar. Every time I flip it over.!
Looks yummy…I want to try this.
I love that! I’ll have to try that.
I like to use the same pan, but I place a patio of butter and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Oh that sounds delicious Jacqueline!
That is awesome Charlena!
If you have an Albersons in your area they have them on sale pretty often. You can get the packages of individually wrapped frozen ones like this. You buy one for about $10 you get 3 free.
I had to use Cod here in the UK. I got line caught cod at quite a good price in Asda, which is owned by Walmart! 🙂 It was very yummy, thanks for your amazing recipes! Had this with baby new potatoes and broccoli.
I didn’t know that Mary – I’ll check Walmart next time I’m there. thanks! 🙂
They are cheaper at Wal-Mart than Sam’s. I’ve priced them out at both.