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You need simple and fresh items for this dish. Here’s what you will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a bright and tasty flavor that compliments the fish. When measuring ingredients, use standard tools like measuring cups and spoons. Fresh lemon juice should be measured for the best taste. If you want a stronger lemon flavor, you can add an extra splash of juice. For herbs, I recommend packing them down lightly to avoid using too much. Remember, accurate measurements keep the dish balanced. Using fresh herbs can boost the flavor of your dish significantly. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch. Dried oregano works well too and is easy to keep on hand. If you use fresh oregano, increase the amount to about 1 tablespoon. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste, while dried herbs provide convenience and good flavor. Choose based on what you have available and your taste preference. Gather all your ingredients for Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia. You need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Make sure everything is fresh. Fresh ingredients bring out the best flavors. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth. This marinade gives the tilapia a bright, zesty flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the tilapia fillets in the dish, spaced apart. Pour the lemon garlic marinade over the fillets. Make sure each piece is well coated. Now, put the dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You know the tilapia is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. After baking, take it out and let it rest for a minute. This keeps the fish moist. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check the list above. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in your dish. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than dried garlic. Fresh lemons add bright flavor that bottled juice can't match. Use fresh herbs, like parsley, to enhance the dish's aroma and look. Choose high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. Oven types can affect your cooking time. A conventional oven usually takes 15-20 minutes. If you use a convection oven, check for doneness a few minutes early. The fan in a convection oven cooks food faster. Always check your tilapia with a fork for perfect doneness. The right texture is key for great tilapia. When cooked, it should be flaky and tender. If it feels rubbery, you might have overcooked it. If you follow the baking time closely, you will get a lovely texture. Remember, letting it rest after baking keeps it moist and tasty. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe to explore all these tips in action! {{image_4}} You can switch tilapia for other fish. Cod, halibut, or catfish work well. Each fish has its own taste. Cod is mild and flaky. Halibut is thick and meaty. Catfish adds a bit of earthiness. Adjust cooking times based on the fish. Thinner fish may need less time. You want it to be flaky and tender. If you like some spice, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch, then taste. You can also use chili powder for a smoky flavor. Spice blends like Cajun seasoning can add depth. Mix your spices into the lemon garlic marinade. This will give you a zesty kick that makes the dish even better. Serve your lemon garlic tilapia with fresh sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans are great choices. A light salad with mixed greens also pairs well. For carbs, consider rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. You can even serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal. Try different pairings to find your favorite combo. For the full recipe, check out the preparation details. After you enjoy your Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia, store leftovers right away. Place the fillets in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature first. This helps avoid moisture build-up. If you want to keep the flavors intact, cover the fillets with the marinade. When you reheat your leftover tilapia, do it gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil on top. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 10 minutes until warm. This keeps the fish from drying out. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just use low heat in a skillet, flipping once to warm both sides. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap each tilapia fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the tilapia for up to two months. When ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge. After that, you can bake it using the same steps from the Full Recipe. This way, you can enjoy your tasty tilapia anytime. You can serve Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia with many sides. Fresh steamed vegetables work well. Try broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a colorful plate. A light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice touch. Quinoa or rice can make a hearty base. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the tasty sauce. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just thaw them first for even cooking. Place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, you can follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. This makes it easy to enjoy your dish any time. You can tell tilapia is cooked through when it looks opaque and flakes easily. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it breaks apart without much effort, it's done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. Use a food thermometer for the best results. In this post, I covered how to make Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia. I shared key ingredients, measurement tips, and the difference between fresh and dried herbs. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. I also offered tips for perfecting flavor and texture. Finally, remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy variations by using other fish or spices. This dish is simple and tasty, and you can easily adapt it to fit your taste. A few tweaks can make it uniquely yours!

Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Tilapia with this easy recipe! Perfectly baked tilapia fillets are coated in a fragrant marinade of garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that's ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 2 medium lemons)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, creating a fragrant marinade.

      Arrange the tilapia fillets in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking.

        Pour the lemon garlic marinade generously over the tilapia fillets, using a spoon to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture.

          Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. The tilapia is done when it appears opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork.

            Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about a minute to retain moisture.

              Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the tilapia for a vibrant pop of color and added flavor.

                Serve the dish hot with lemon wedges on the side to allow guests to brighten their servings with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the tilapia fillets on a serving platter, garnish with extra lemon slices, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an inviting look. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.