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- 4 fresh tilapia fillets - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish - Lemon slices, for an inviting serving option When you gather the ingredients for Baked Garlic Lemon Tilapia, fresh is key. I love using fresh tilapia fillets because they cook quickly and taste great. Minced garlic adds a punchy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish. For seasoning, high-quality olive oil is a must. It brings richness to the dish. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten every bite, making it feel fresh and zesty. Don't forget sea salt and black pepper; they enhance all the flavors. A touch of dried oregano adds an earthy note. Garnishing is where you can get creative. Fresh parsley not only looks good but adds a nice taste. Lemon slices on the side give a colorful touch and extra zing when you squeeze them over the fish. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. You can find the Full Recipe above for easy reference. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking. - Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Whisk until well combined. This mixture creates a bright and zesty flavor that makes the fish shine. - Place tilapia fillets in the prepared dish and brush both sides with the marinade. - Squeeze additional lemon juice over the fillets for extra flavor. This step ensures each bite bursts with taste. - Bake the tilapia for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily. - Allow to rest before serving. This resting time keeps the fish moist and tender. For the full recipe, check back to ensure you have all the steps. Enjoy the process! Resting the fish is key for great taste. After baking, let the tilapia sit for a few minutes. This helps keep the fish moist and juicy. Use a fork to check for doneness. If the fish flakes easily, it is ready. If not, give it another minute or two in the oven. Want some heat? Add chili flakes to the garlic lemon mix. This adds a nice kick. You can also swap oregano for other herbs. Dill is a great choice. It brings a fresh taste that pairs well with the fish. Pair your tilapia with fresh sides. A garden salad or steamed veggies works well. For plating, try arranging the fillets neatly on a platter. Drizzle with the lemon garlic sauce for extra flavor. Garnish with parsley for a pop of color. Add lemon slices for a bright touch. These simple steps make your dish look gourmet. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fish in this recipe. Cod or haddock works great. They have a mild taste like tilapia. This makes them a good choice for this dish. If you want a twist, use lime instead of lemon. Lime gives a fresh and zesty flavor too. Grilling is a fun option. It adds a smoky taste to the fish. If you like a crispy texture, try pan-searing. Just heat a little oil in a pan and cook the fish on both sides until golden brown. Each method brings a unique flavor to the dish. This recipe is easy to adapt for different diets. To make it gluten-free, check your ingredients for gluten. For a keto version, you can keep the fish and herbs. Just avoid high-carb sides like rice. If you want a vegan twist, use tofu or tempeh instead of fish. Marinate them just like you would the tilapia for great flavor. To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help lock in flavor and moisture. You can store baked tilapia in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. If you want to save tilapia for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Baked tilapia can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the tilapia in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep the fish moist and tasty. Enjoy your meal with all its fresh flavors! How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked? You can tell tilapia is done when it is opaque. Use a fork to check if it flakes easily. The fish should not look translucent at all. If you're unsure, use a food thermometer. It should read 145°F (63°C) inside. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use cold water for a quick thaw. This will help the fish cook evenly. How can I make this recipe spicier? To add spice, sprinkle red chili flakes on the tilapia. You could also mix in some chopped jalapeños with the marinade. If you like heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce too. What can I substitute for olive oil? You can use melted butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil. Both will add a nice flavor. Coconut oil is another option if you want a different taste. What are the health benefits of tilapia? Tilapia is a lean protein. It is low in calories and high in protein. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Plus, tilapia is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and selenium. Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet? Yes, this dish is low in carbs. Tilapia has no carbs, making it a great choice for low-carb diets. You can pair it with vegetables for a healthy meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb plan. In this blog post, we covered how to cook delicious tilapia. You learned about the fresh ingredients and how to create a tasty garlic lemon marinade. I shared easy steps for preparing, baking, and garnishing your dish. Don’t forget to try the tips for perfecting your bake and serving ideas. With variations for flavor and dietary needs, tilapia is a versatile choice. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own. Happy cooking!

Baked Garlic Lemon Tilapia

Elevate your dinner game with this zesty baked garlic lemon tilapia recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a deliciously flaky fish coated in a mouthwatering garlic-lemon sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this dish pairs beautifully with a garden salad or steamed veggies. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this delightful seafood dish tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 fresh tilapia fillets

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Lemon slices, for an inviting serving option

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a harmonious mixture.

      Arrange the tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each fillet with the garlic lemon mixture, ensuring each piece is well-covered for maximum flavor.

        For an extra zing, squeeze a little more lemon juice over the top of each fillet, enhancing the citrusy goodness.

          Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating that it is perfectly cooked.

            Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the tilapia to rest for a couple of minutes to retain moisture.

              Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve each fillet with lemon slices on the side for an added touch of brightness.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Arrange the fillets neatly on a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining lemon garlic sauce from the baking dish, and garnish with additional parsley for a vibrant and appetizing display. Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.