Baked Tilapia

This baked tilapia recipe is seasoned with a mixture of dried herbs, steak seasoning and butter. But the best thing about baked tilapia is that you can really customize it. We’re big fans of adding lemon and fresh herbs to this fish. If you want to spice things up, add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy chili oil. Serve the tilapia with a lemony grain salad and greens on the side and you’ll have a great weeknight meal in your repertoire.

Ingredients for Baked Tilapia

• Tilapia fillets: Note that tilapia (and other lean types of fish, like catfish and haddock) can be frozen for up to six months (unlike oily fish, such as grouper and mackerel which shouldn’t be frozen for more than three months); be sure to give it ample time to thaw before using.
• Butter: Butter adds a rich and slightly nutty flavor to baked tilapia.
• Seasonings: We use a mixture of Montreal steak seasoning, dried parsley, paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper and garlic powder to season the fish. But you should feel free to play around with the seasonings depending on what you have on hand (this recipe is very versatile).

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the tilapia in a greased 11×7-inch baking dish; drizzle with butter. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients and sprinkle over the fillets.

Step 2: Bake

Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes. Uncover and bake until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, for five to eight minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Add lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest really brighten baked tilapia. Squeeze some lemon and sprinkle a bit of zest on the fish before baking it and save a few lemon wedges to squeeze on the baked fish before serving.
• Spice it up: A dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds a spicy kick to this fish.
• Finish with fresh herbs: We love adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill to baked tilapia.

How to Store Baked Tilapia

If you want to double or even triple this recipe so that you have leftovers, you can easily do so. Once they’ve fully cooled, store the fillets in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long does this recipe last?

When stored properly, baked tilapia will last for up to three days. You can either do so in the microwave or in the oven (just be sure to cover it in foil if reheating in the oven, so it doesn’t dry out) when you want to reheat it.

Baked Tilapia Recipe Tips

Can I use a fish other than tilapia for this recipe?

Yes. This recipe works well with other white-fleshed fish, such as haddock, cod or halibut. Just keep in mind that you may have to adjust the cook times accordingly depending on the type of fish you use.

What pairs well with baked tilapia?

We like serving baked tilapia with a side of herbed rice pilaf and roasted broccoli or a simple green salad. Lemony orzo would also be a tasty side with this fish.

What are some uses for leftovers?

One great use for leftover baked tilapia is for fish tacos.