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Simple Recipes for Every Day

Baked Tilapia

baked tilapia seasoned with salt, paprika, garlic, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, and pepper
  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  5 min
  • Cook Time:  12 min

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets (6 ounce, 1½ pounds total)
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 5 ½ tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 2 lemons, sliced into rounds
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh flat leaf parsley, minced (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the center position.

  2. Pat the tilapia dry with a paper towel. Season all over with the salt and paprika. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon zest.

  3. Place the lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Add the tilapia over top of the lemon, then pour over the garlic butter. Bake until the tilapia easily flakes with a fork, 10-12 minutes.

  4. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in the panko and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes.

  5. Divide the tilapia between plates and sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumbs, pepper, and parsley. Serve the lemon rounds on the side if desired.