Garlic Butter Tilapia - 30 Min Recipe
Take your frozen tilapia filets out of the freezer and submerge them in COLD water for 15 mins to defrost them .
Once they feel soft to the touch remove them from the packing and transfer each filet onto a lined baking sheet and make small cuts into the fish (not all the way through just mark them ) so the seasoning can bake inside the filets .
In a seperate bowl add :
2tsp white pepper
2 tsp salt
2 tbs paprika
1/2 tbs garlic powder
1/2 tbs old bay seasoning
1 tsp lemon pepper
1/2 tbs Italian seasoning
Mix and set aside .
Melt 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave and add the melted butter , 1 tbs of minced garlic all to your seasoning mixture and mix .
Pour this over your tilapia filets and massage the mixture in.
Add a few lemon slices if you have any on hand if not this is totally optional !
Bake at 425 for 15-17 mins and enjoy with white rice and sautteed veggies (:
ENJOY AND FOLLOW FOR MORE 🩷🫶🏻
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, garlic butter tilapia is a fantastic choice. One tip I’ve learned from experience is to always defrost the tilapia properly by submerging the frozen filets in cold water for about 15 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning soak in better. When preparing the seasoning blend, don’t be shy with the spices—white pepper, paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning combine beautifully to give the fish a robust flavor. Adding melted butter mixed with minced garlic to the spices creates a rich garlic butter sauce that penetrates the fish during baking. Making small cuts on the tilapia filets before seasoning is a trick I swear by because it allows the flavors to infuse deeper into the fish. Plus, including optional lemon slices on top adds a subtle citrus brightness that complements the garlic butter perfectly. Baking at 425°F for 15 to 17 minutes is the sweet spot for tender tilapia that's cooked through but still moist. You can easily pair this dish with fluffy white rice and sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal. For extra flavor, try experimenting with adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. This recipe is incredibly versatile, easy to follow, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying yet uncomplicated. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home!