Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia: An Easy Weeknight Winner

Q: Can I bake frozen tilapia, and if so, how long to bake it from frozen? I forgot to take it out this morning, oops!

You *can* bake tilapia from frozen in a pinch, but it will take longer and the texture might not be quite as good as if it were thawed. Bake it at 400°F (200°C), but add roughly 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, so start checking around 17-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Consider brushing the fillets with olive oil or melted butter before baking to help retain moisture, it will save it from becoming a bit dry.

How Long to Bake Tilapia? Easy Lemon Herb Recipe!

By Laura TideJune 18, 2025

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4.00 (1 Ratings)

Wondering how long to bake tilapia for the best flavor? This lemon herb recipe is quick, easy, and delicious! Get perfectly flaky tilapia every time. Try it now! ... Quick - Easy

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction: Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia

Fancy a super easy, healthy dinner? i’ve got you covered. you know, sometimes you just crave a simple meal, something that doesn’t take hours.

This lemon herb baked tilapia recipe is exactly that. it's the best baked tilapia recipe ever!

Quick Hook: The Easiest Dinner Ever

Ever wondered how long to bake tilapia for that perfect flaky texture? this recipe tells all! the bright lemon and fresh herbs make it absolutely delicious.

Honestly, it's a flavour explosion in your mouth!

Brief Overview: Mediterranean Magic

This recipe is inspired by mediterranean flavours. it is a healthy and light dish that's great for any night of the week.

Plus, it's seriously easy peasy. this recipe is dead simple and only takes about 25 minutes total, including prep! it serves 4 people.

Main Benefits: Healthy and Delicious

Tilapia is a great source of lean protein and garlic tilapia and this recipe is low in calories. it is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you're short on time.

What makes this recipe special? well, the combination of fresh herbs and zesty lemon just elevates the simple tilapia dinner .

Time to Gather Your Ingredients

Let's get down to brass tacks. you'll need: tilapia fillets, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

You know, the usual suspects for a flavorful fish dish. and how to cook baked fish is much easier than you think!

Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia: An Easy Weeknight Winner presentation

Getting Ready to Cook

First things first, preheat your oven to baking tilapia at 400 . this ensures that your tilapia cooks evenly and quickly.

Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, if you're like me and hate doing dishes. honestly, it makes cleanup a breeze.

Making the Magic Happen

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

This marinade is the key to a delicious tilapia recipes ! it's like a little flavour party in a bowl.

Then, place your tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet. brush that amazing marinade all over the fish, making sure both sides are covered.

Baking Time!

Now, pop the tilapia into the preheated oven. how long to cook tilapia in oven ? bake for about 12- 15 minutes.

You want the fish to be cooked through. the baked tilapia internal temperature should reach 145° f ( 63° c).

Serve and Enjoy

Once the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, it's ready to serve. garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.

Enjoy your easy baked fish recipes ! i promise, you'll love it! and the lemon herb tilapia recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make the Best Baked Tilapia Recipe ever! Trust me, it's easier than understanding Brexit.

Ingredients & Equipment

This ain't rocket science. It's about quality and flavor. We're aiming for a Delicious Tilapia Recipes that everyone will love!

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list. I'll tell you what to look for, yeah?

1.5 lbs (680g) Tilapia fillets, skinless. The fresher the better. Look for firm, not-too-fishy fillets.
2 tablespoons (30ml) Olive oil. Extra virgin, if you fancy.
2 tablespoons (30ml) Lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, honestly.
1 tablespoon (15ml) Lemon zest, finely grated. Zest is where all the lemon flavor is.
2 cloves Garlic, minced. Fresh is key!
1 tablespoon (8g) Fresh parsley, chopped.
1 tablespoon (8g) Fresh thyme, chopped.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) Dried oregano.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) Salt, or to taste.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) Black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste.
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional).

Seasoning Notes

These are your flavour powerhouses! I find these essential spice combinations essential.

Lemon, garlic, and herbs are a match made in heaven. oregano adds a subtle earthy note. if you're out of fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch (halve the amount).

Remember to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. a dash of red pepper flakes is great for heat.

Equipment Needed

Nothing fancy here, just the basics.

Baking sheet.
Parchment paper (optional). Makes cleanup a breeze.
Small bowl.
Whisk.
Meat thermometer (recommended). Ensures your fish is cooked perfectly.

A regular oven will do the trick to bake this Garlic Tilapia . Don't have parchment paper? Just lightly grease the baking sheet. Now, let’s talk how long to bake tilapia .

How long to bake tilapia? bake at 400° f ( 200° c) for about 12- 15 minutes . the important thing is that the baked tilapia internal temperature should reach 145° f ( 63° c) .

This is important for safety.

Now, about this lemon herb tilapia recipe , it really is simple. even my mate dave, who once burnt toast, can make it.

It's a simple tilapia dinner that feels fancy. it's one of those easy baked fish recipes that you'll keep going back to.

Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia: An Easy Weeknight Winner

Fancy a super easy and delicious delicious tilapia recipes ? this best baked tilapia recipe is just the ticket. honestly, it's so simple, even i can't mess it up.

It is great for weeknights when you're rushed. we're talking flavourful flaky tilapia infused with lemon and herbs, what's not to love?

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised, Shall We?

First, you need your mise en place . it sounds fancy, but it is just prepping ingredients. chop your parsley and thyme.

Mince that garlic too. squeeze your lemon juice. have everything ready before you start. this makes cooking so much easier.

Time-saving tip? Get pre-minced garlic. Saves loads of time. For safety, wash your hands before and after handling the fish. You know, the usual drill.

Step-by-Step: Baking Like a Boss

Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . That's the magic number, innit?
Line a baking sheet with parchment. Makes cleaning a breeze.
Whisk together 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil , 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice , 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon zest , 2 cloves minced garlic , 1 tablespoon (8g) chopped parsley , 1 tablespoon (8g) chopped thyme , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried oregano , 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) black pepper in a bowl. This is your flavour bomb.
Place 1.5 lbs (680g) tilapia fillets on the baking sheet. Brush the marinade all over.
Bake for 12- 15 minutes . The Baked Tilapia Internal Temperature should be 145° F ( 63° C) . This will tell you How Long To Cook Tilapia In Oven .
Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Tilapia Game

Don't overcook it! tilapia dries out faster than your nan's sense of humour. use a thermometer to check. if you want garlic tilapia , add an extra clove or two.

You've heard of extra garlic bread so why not extra garlic tilapia?

A common mistake is not patting the fish dry. Pat it dry with paper towels for better browning.

Want to prep ahead? Marinate the tilapia for up to 30 minutes in the fridge before baking. This helps the flavours meld.

Now you are on your way to creating a Simple Tilapia Dinner . I bet you'll agree this is one of the Easy Baked Fish Recipes

I once overcooked my tilapia so badly, the cat wouldn't even eat it. oh my gosh, it was like eating shoe leather, lol!.

That's how i learned how long to bake tilapia properly. now it's one of my go-to delicious tilapia recipes and an easy way how to cook baked fish .

A splash of lemon and herbs make a winning lemon herb tilapia recipe . i bake the baking tilapia at 400 for the best flavour.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia

Right, so you’ve got the recipe for my lemon herb baked tilapia . bangin', isn't it? but listen up, even the best baked tilapia recipe can be tweaked to make it absolutely perfect for you .

Here are some of my notes to make your life easier!

Serving it Up: Plating and Palate Pleasers

Honestly, presentation matters, doesn’t it? Picture this: A bed of fluffy quinoa. Then, your delicious tilapia recipes sitting pretty on top. Drizzle a bit of that lovely baking juice over it all.

For sides, i'm a big fan of steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon. it's fresh, simple, and doesn't overpower the fish.

Or, try some garlic roasted green beans. a crisp sauvignon blanc is the perfect bevvy to pair with this.

Storage Savvy: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, let's talk leftovers. if you’ve got any of this simple tilapia dinner left – congrats on the self-control, first off! – you can stash it in the fridge.

Just pop it in an airtight container.

Refrigerated baked tilapia will last for up to 3 days. when reheating, do it gently in the oven (about 300° f/ 150° c) so it doesn’t dry out.

Honestly, microwaving is a last resort. freezing isn't the best idea, as the texture changes a bit. but if you must , wrap each fillet individually in cling film before freezing.

Remixing the Recipe: Variations and Vibes

Fancy a change? For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinade. Boom! You've got garlic tilapia with a fiery twist.

Trying to be good? Serve it with courgette noodles for a low-carb dinner. Or, if you're catering to allergies, check that everything is gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving clocks in at roughly 220 calories. loads of protein (about 30g!) for building those muscles. plus, it's packed with omega-3s, which are amazing for your heart and brain.

Not bad, eh?

Alright, you’ve got all the deets. it might take you only how long to bake tilapia (around 12 to 15 minutes).

So, give it a go. don’t be afraid to experiment and make this lemon herb tilapia recipe your own! now, go get baking!

Delicious Baked Tilapia Recipe: How Long to Bake?

Frequently Asked Questions

Right, so, how long to bake tilapia to get it just right? I don't want it to be like rubber!

Baking tilapia doesn't take long at all, thankfully! For fillets about ½ inch thick, you're looking at around 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). The key is to watch it closely and use a fork to check if it flakes easily. You want it cooked through but still nice and moist, not like something you'd use to resole your shoes. Get yourself a meat thermometer, it's the bee's knees! The internal temp should be 145°F (63°C).

Is there a way to tell when my baked tilapia is cooked without a thermometer? I'm a bit old school, like my nan.

Absolutely! If you don't have a thermometer, you can check for doneness by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the tilapia flakes easily with the fork and is opaque (no longer translucent) throughout, it's cooked. Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook it than overcook it – it will continue to cook a bit from residual heat after you take it out of the oven. Nobody wants dry fish, that's a fate worse than finding out your favourite tea biscuits are all gone!

What if my tilapia fillets are really thin or really thick? Does "how long to bake tilapia" change then?

Yes, the thickness of your tilapia fillets definitely affects the baking time! Thinner fillets will cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 8-10 minutes. Thicker fillets will obviously take longer, potentially up to 18-20 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer if possible and check the internal temperature. Keep a keen eye on it, even if it's a bit of a faff!

Can I bake frozen tilapia, and if so, how long to bake it from frozen? I forgot to take it out this morning, oops!

You can bake tilapia from frozen in a pinch, but it will take longer and the texture might not be quite as good as if it were thawed. Bake it at 400°F (200°C), but add roughly 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, so start checking around 17-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Consider brushing the fillets with olive oil or melted butter before baking to help retain moisture, it will save it from becoming a bit dry.

What are some tasty variations I can try when baking tilapia? I'm bored of just lemon and herbs all the time!

Oh, there are loads of ways to spice up your baked tilapia! Try a garlic herb crust by mixing breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs and pressing it onto the fillets before baking. Or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your lemon herb marinade for a bit of heat. You could even go a bit Mediterranean with a topping of chopped tomatoes, olives, and feta. The world is your oyster (or should I say, your tilapia)!

How should I store leftover baked tilapia? Can I reheat it the next day?

Store leftover baked tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best consumed within 1-2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) or in a pan on the hob over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Microwaving is also an option, but be careful not to overcook it. Leftover fish can sometimes taste a bit "fishy", so a squeeze of lemon juice can help brighten it up.