This Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia is one of those dinners that proves simple food can still be incredibly flavorful. The fish is baked with garlic, lemon, and a simple seasoning blend that gives it a bright citrus flavor with just a little kick from the red pepper flakes. My fiancé and I really loved this dish! It’s light, fresh, and doesn’t take long to make. If you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner that doesn’t take too much effort, this recipe is perfect. I served this with Garlic Butter Rice and Sautéed Squash & Zucchini, which paired beautifully with the lemony flavor of the fish. Now let’s get into the recipe.
Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia Ingredients
- Tilapia Fillets: A mild, flaky fish that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor really well.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a bold savory flavor that pairs perfectly with lemon.
- Lemon: Brightens the dish and adds fresh citrus flavor.
- Oil: Helps carry the seasoning and keeps the fish moist while baking.
- Garlic & Herb Seasoning: Adds extra flavor to the marinade.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and color.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Gives the dish a slight kick of heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the oil, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything together to create a simple marinade. Rub the marinade evenly over the tilapia fillets. Line a baking dish with foil and place the seasoned tilapia on top. Lay lemon slices over each fillet.


Bake the fish for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. Once the fish comes out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and finish with chopped parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia
This recipe is incredibly simple and perfect for busy weeknights. The lemon and garlic give the fish a bright, fresh flavor while the red pepper flakes add just a little heat. It cooks in under 20 minutes, making it an easy dinner when you want something light but still satisfying.

What to Serve With Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia
I served mine with Garlic Butter Rice and Sautéed Squash & Zucchini, which made this such a well-balanced and satisfying dinner. If you’re looking for easy side dishes to go with this fish, those two recipes are a great place to start.
Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia
Description
This Garlic Lemon Baked Tilapia is a light and flavorful fish dish made with fresh garlic, lemon slices, and simple seasonings. It’s an easy oven baked recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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In a small bowl, combine the oil, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create a simple marinade.
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Rub the marinade evenly over the tilapia fillets. Line a baking dish with foil and place the seasoned tilapia fillets on top.
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Lay lemon slices over each fillet.
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Place lemon slices on top and Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
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Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 240kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Sodium 320mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

