Lemon Pepper Tilapia is low-carb and gluten-free. But, the very best thing about this delicious recipe is that it’s ready in 15 minutes!
The unbeatable combination of lemon, butter, and garlic is not just for Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken, Shrimp…or even Zucchini Noodles. It’s also a quick, easy way to prepare tilapia. It’s safe to say this combination is a winner everywhere it goes.
If you’re a seafood lover, chances are you have some mild white fish in the freezer…which means you’re minutes away from enjoying seafood recipes like this one or baked turbot fillets with mustard dill sauce.
Ingredients
Stay stocked with these ingredients and you’ll always have lots of dinner options:
- Butter – slice off thin pats of butter that will melt over the tilapia as it bakes.
- Lemon juice – squeeze a fresh lemon or use fresh-squeezed from a bottle.
- Garlic powder – gives this dish the garlic flavor.
- Paprika – flavors the tilapia but also gives it a dash of color.
- Lemon-pepper seasoning – there are lots of choices for this spice. Ideally, choose a product without added sugar and salt.
- Salt – to taste!
- Green onion – if you have some on hand, definitely use it! It adds a pop of color. The tilapia will still taste great if you leave the onions off!
- Parsley – same deal with the parsley!
This is a more or less recipe. While ingredient amounts are provided below, it’s a matter of sprinkling the ingredients over the fish.
I use my fingertips to get more even coverage when topping the fish with spices.
If you want to supercharge the lemon flavor in Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia then zest the lemon and sprinkle it on top!
Is tilapia healthy?
There’s a lot of press regarding whether it’s healthy to eat tilapia and it frequently comes up on social media when a recipe includes this type of fish. The Truth About Tilapia by Berkeley Wellness discusses these concerns. Consume responsibility raised tilapia in moderation.
The good news is that this recipe works well with any white fish. We’ve used it with turbot, halibut, and haddock and to make Lemony Baked Basa.
What to serve with Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Quick and easy sides that take less than 15 minutes to make include:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower Rice
- Couscous
- Wilted Spinach
- Roasted green beans
- Asparagus
- Marinated tomatoes
- Microwave corn on the cob
- Salad
- Pineapple Salsa
Tip: Most of these sides can be seasoned with any or all of the ingredients used to make this recipe!
If you have a little more time or plan ahead:
- Rice
- Risotto
- Crock-pot mashed potatoes
Lemon pepper tilapia can even become the base for another dish like fish tacos.
Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!
Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tilapia or other mild white fish 4 filets
- 8 teaspoons butter
- 4 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Paprika
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 2 Tablespoons parsley chopped
- Lemon wedges optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Pat fish fillets dry and place in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Pour lemon juice and melted butter over fish.
- Sprinkle remaining ingredients over fish.
- Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges, if using.
Video
Notes
- This can be made ahead and frozen in aluminum baking tins. Freeze for up to two months and defrost in refrigerator for 8-12 hours before serving.
- Quick and easy sides that take less than 15 minutes to make include:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower Rice
- Couscous
- Wilted Spinach
- Roasted green beans
- Asparagus
- Marinated tomatoes
- Microwave corn on the cob
- Salad
- Pineapple Salsa
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published 10/22/2018. It was updated to improve the reader experience.
Taryn
I love the flavor of lemon pepper. Thanks for a great recipe!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Love an easy and delicious dinner recipe!
Linda Burns
Boring, needed a whole lot more flavour.
Marjory Pilley
So sorry you didn’t enjoy it! You can be very liberal with seasonings. On this one!