Zesty Baked Tilapia
Elevate your dinner with this Zesty Baked Tilapia recipe that combines the mild flavor of tilapia fillets with a spice blend of oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for a delightful kick. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, providing a light yet satisfying option that pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy a burst of citrus from the lemon juice and the richness of butter as they infuse the fish, ensuring a tender and flavorful experience.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
14 ounces (thawed if frozen)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a spice blend.
3
In another shallow dish, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 3 tablespoons of lemon juice until combined.
4
Dip each tilapia fillet into the butter mixture, coating both sides generously.
5
Press the coated fillets firmly into the spice mixture, ensuring each side is well covered with the seasoning.
6
Spray a shallow casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. Enjoy your deliciously zesty tilapia!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Baked Tilapia?
It is a quick and easy fish dish featuring tilapia fillets seasoned with a blend of oregano, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, infused with lemon and butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
How long does it take to bake the tilapia?
The tilapia should be baked for approximately 15 minutes.
What spices are included in the spice blend?
The spice blend consists of dried oregano, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets, but they should be thawed before you begin the preparation.
How much tilapia do I need?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of tilapia fillets.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice provides a burst of citrus flavor and works with the butter to infuse the fish with moisture and zest.
Can I substitute the butter?
While the recipe specifies butter for richness, you could potentially substitute it with olive oil for a different flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a zesty kick thanks to the addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
What side dishes pair well with Zesty Baked Tilapia?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent.
Can I use a different type of fish?
While designed for tilapia, you could use other mild white fish fillets, though cooking times may vary based on thickness.
How much chili powder is used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chili powder.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should spray a shallow casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray before arranging the fillets.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, light, and satisfying meal option.
Should the lemon juice be fresh?
The recipe recommends using 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What is the preparation for the tilapia fillets?
The fillets should be thawed if they were previously frozen.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I coat the fish in the spices?
First dip the fillets in the butter and lemon mixture, then press them firmly into the spice mixture to ensure they are well covered.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tilapia, baked fish, easy recipe, quick dinner, healthy meal, seafood, zesty, citrus, and spiced fish.
How many ingredients are required for this dish?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; if using fresh, you generally need to triple the amount.
What if I don't like spicy food?
You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to make the dish milder.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of butter should be melted before stirring in the lemon juice.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve 4 people; just ensure the fillets remain in a single layer in the dish.
What type of baking dish is recommended?
A shallow casserole dish is recommended for baking the tilapia.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty and citrusy with a spicy, aromatic kick from the dried herbs and peppers.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.