Baked Tilapia at 400°F with Lemon Garlic Butter
These baked tilapia fillets are flaky, buttery, and ready in minutes. At 400°F (200°C), tilapia usually takes about 12–15 minutes, making this lemon-garlic fish an easy option for a quick lunch or dinner.
How Long To Bake Tilapia Fillets At 400 Degrees
Bake tilapia fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, depending on their thickness.
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Keesha’s Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook: Check thinner fillets around the 12-minute mark.
- Use a thermometer: The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Handle gently: A thin fish spatula helps keep the delicate fillets intact.
What to Serve with Baked Tilapia
Serve baked tilapia with Jamaican Rice and Peas, Kenyan Kachumbari, Steven Universe Potato Bites or Banku for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.
How to Store Baked Tilapia
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through.
FAQs about Baking Tilapia
Delicious Side Dishes
Pair your tilapia with fragrant Coconut Rice, bold Cassava Leaf Soup, or vibrant Kenyan Sukuma Wiki for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.
Lemon-Garlic Baked Tilapia Fillets With Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 medium tilapia fillets or 2 whole tilapias
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to atste
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- To start, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a roasted tray with non-stick baking paper, or use a silicone mat.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the herbs. Mix them well to ensure they are evenly distributed. Set it aside.
- Then, whisk together the melted butter, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Set it aside as well.
- Next, place the tilapia fillets onto the lined roasting tray. Then, season them well with the spice and herb mix. Ensure they are coated on both sides.
- Place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the tray in a single layer. Brush the butter and garlic sauce over the fillets. They should be covered well. Finally, add some lemon slices in each fillet.
- Place the tray inside the heated oven and bake the fillets for 10-15 minutes. After 10 minutes, test the doneness of the fillets.
- Once finished, remove the baked tilapia from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then, serve it immediately with fresh chopped parsley.
Baking Whole Tilapia
- For whole tilapia, simply brush the inside of the fish with the garlic butter dressing. You can also stuff the fish if you'd like, or simply add lemon slices inside.
- Bake the whole tilapias for roughly 10 minutes per inch of thickness. If your tilapia is about 3 inches thick, bake it for about 30 minutes.
