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To make this dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients bring bright flavors and health benefits. Tilapia is mild and easy to cook. Garlic adds a nice kick, and lemon brightens everything up. For this recipe, gather a few key tools: - Baking dish - Small mixing bowl - Whisk or fork - Measuring spoons - Paper towels These supplies help you prepare and cook the fish smoothly. A baking dish is great for even cooking. A small bowl makes mixing easy. You can make your plate look fancy with some garnish. Consider these options: - Extra lemon wedges - Sliced avocado - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa These options add color and texture. They also make your meal more filling. Try mixing and matching for a fun twist! For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important for even cooking. While the oven warms up, take a baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent the fish from sticking. Now, let’s make the lemon garlic marinade. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano. Stir well to combine everything. This zesty mix adds flavor and keeps the fish moist. Next, pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in your prepared baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the fish, making sure each piece gets coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove from the oven. Let it sit for a minute. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. This dish is best enjoyed fresh! For the full recipe, check out the details above. When choosing tilapia, look for bright, clear eyes. The skin should be shiny and moist. Fresh fish smells like the sea, not fishy. If it's fillets, check for a firm texture. Avoid any that have browning or discoloration. Marinating tilapia boosts its taste. I recommend at least 15 minutes in the lemon garlic mix. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a nice touch. You can also try a sprinkle of paprika for a hint of spice. A drizzle of olive oil before serving brings out more flavors. To cook tilapia perfectly, bake it at 400°F (200°C). This ensures the fish cooks through without drying out. Bake for 12-15 minutes. It should flake easily when done. If using a fork, it should break apart gently. Always let it rest a minute before serving. This helps keep it moist. {{image_2}} To make your dish spicy, add some heat. Use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a half teaspoon. Mix it into the marinade. This will give your tilapia a nice kick. If you love spice, adjust it to your taste. You can also try a spicy hot sauce for extra flavor. It will complement the lemon and garlic well. For a fresh twist, use herbs. Basil, thyme, or rosemary work great. Chop them finely and mix into the marinade. This adds depth to the flavor. You can use a mix of herbs too. Fresh herbs will brighten the dish. Try adding dill for a nice touch. It pairs well with fish and adds a lovely aroma. You can cook tilapia in two ways: baking or pan-searing. Baking is simple and hands-off. It allows the fish to cook gently. This keeps it moist and flaky. Preheat your oven to 400°F and follow the recipe. Pan-searing gives a nice golden crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side. This method adds a different texture and flavor. Both methods are easy and tasty. Choose the one that fits your time and mood. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Garlic Tilapia. Enjoy making it your own! To store leftover tilapia, let it cool first. Place the fish in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Wrap the tilapia in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Frozen tilapia can last for up to three months. When reheating tilapia, I suggest using the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the tilapia on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in short bursts, checking to avoid overcooking. If you want to meal prep, cook the tilapia first. After it cools, portion it into containers. Pair it with sides like rice or veggies. Store these containers in the fridge for easy lunches. You can also freeze them for later. Just thaw before you reheat for a quick meal. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Lemon Garlic Tilapia. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Just thaw it first before cooking. Place the fillets in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. Make sure to pat them dry before adding the marinade. This helps the flavors stick better. You have many tasty options! Here are some ideas to pair with your tilapia: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted asparagus - Rice pilaf These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Check the tilapia for a few signs of doneness. The fish should flake easily with a fork. It should also be opaque and lose its shiny look. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). These tips ensure your tilapia is cooked just right. This blog post covered the easy steps to make Lemon Garlic Tilapia. You learned about key ingredients, supplies, and optional garnishes. Step-by-step instructions helped you get started with making the marinade and baking the fish. I shared tips for choosing fresh tilapia, enhancing flavor, and cooking it perfectly. You also discovered variations and storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. With these insights, you can confidently create a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy cooking this healthy dish any time!

Easy Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Discover the fresh flavors of Zesty Lemon Garlic Tilapia, a delightful dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, and oregano, you can create a meal that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in just 25 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a little olive oil.

    In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano. This will be your zesty marinade.

      Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in the prepared baking dish.

        Pour the marinade evenly over the tilapia fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

            Once cooked, remove from the oven and let sit for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia on a white plate for contrast, and drizzle any remaining marinade over the fish for added flavor. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.