Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven

• Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the fish cooks evenly and stays moist inside while getting a gentle golden edge.

Prepare your baking dish

• Line a baking sheet or shallow pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. If you're aiming for more flavor, you can lightly grease the foil with a bit of olive oil.

Dry and arrange the tilapia fillets

• Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels—this helps them bake up nicely instead of steaming. Place them in a single layer on your prepared sheet with spaces between pieces.

Mix and apply the seasoning

• Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and parsley in a little bowl. Spoon or brush sparingly over each fillet to coat each fillet well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Bake to perfection

• Put the tray into the oven and roast for 12–15 minutes or as thick as your fillets are. You’ll know they’re done when the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Garnish and serve

• Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon slices or a little extra parsley for a pop of color and brightness.

A Few Extra Tips

• Don’t overbake! Tilapia cooks extremely quickly, and it dries out if overcooked. Start checking around the 12-minute mark.
• Cooking for one or two? Halve the recipe and bake it in a toaster oven.
• Want to add veggies? Toss some thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers on the pan before baking for an easy one-pan meal.
• With this simple, step-by-step process, you’ll have a tender, juicy oven-baked tilapia that tastes like it came from a restaurant—but without the fuss. Ready to explore some variations and upgrades? Let’s keep going!