Ingredients

For the tilapia:

• 4 tilapia fillets (5-7 oz each)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp onion powder

For the garlic butter sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter, melted

• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• ¼ tsp lemon zest

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For garnish:

• Lemon slices

• Fresh parsley

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the dish:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and arrange in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

3. Season tilapia generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and onion powder on both sides.

Make the garlic butter sauce:
4. Combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl, whisking until well combined.
5. Add parsley and red pepper flakes to the butter mixture if using.

Bake the tilapia:
6. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the seasoned tilapia fillets.
7. Arrange lemon slices on top of the fish for extra flavor and presentation.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Serve:
9. Remove from oven and immediately spoon any pan juices over the fish.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices before serving.