If you're craving a delicious and effortless dinner that won’t take you all night to prepare, look no further than this Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia. It's simple, flavorful, and you only need three ingredients and 20 minutes to throw it together. And it’s low carb and healthy too!
I love cooking – hence, the food blog and all that. But I’m also a busy working mom, so I don’t have all night to get dinner on the table. So I love recipes like this one that let me get a tasty and healthy meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
This lemon pepper tilapia is:
- Quick and easy.
- Ready in 20 minutes.
- Made with just a few simple ingredients.
- Low carb and keto-friendly.
- Healthy and packed with protein.
- Delicious!
Making Lemon Pepper Tilapia
This lemon pepper fish couldn’t get any easier. You only need three ingredients to throw this together – tilapia, butter, and lemon pepper seasoning. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of flavor too.
The simple ingredients are easy to find and won't break the bank, making this dish a budget-friendly option for families too!
To prepare the fish, simply mix together some melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning. Brush it lightly over your tilapia filets. And bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lemon pepper seasoning adds a zesty kick to the mild flavor of tilapia, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser. (Just like these lemon pepper chicken wings!)
Once the fish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The baked lemon pepper tilapia can be served with a side of your choice and garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.
Serving Lemon Pepper Tilapia
This simple dish is really versatile, so you can pair it with all kinds of sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Roasted vegetables
Roasted veggies are a perfect complement to the tangy lemon pepper seasoning.Try roasting asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a colorful and delicious plate!
Rice or cauliflower rice
Steamed white rice is a great choice to soak up the flavorful juices from the tilapia, or pair it with homemade cauliflower rice to keep it low carb and keto friendly!
Salad
Mix up a simple green salad with some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Or try a citrus salad with orange or grapefruit segments and avocado slices for a burst of bright flavors.
Tips & Variations
Use your favorite fish.
I made this recipe with tilapia because it is generally inexpensive and easy to find in most regions. But you can make this lemon pepper fish with any white fish – cod, haddock, halibut, grouper, or snapper would all work well!
Add some spice.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon pepper-butter mixture.
Make your own lemon pepper seasoning.
You can make a homemade lemon pepper seasoning by combining 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon zest, 1 tablespoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Make it on the grill.
This lemon pepper tilapia can also be grilled instead of baked. Simply brush the fish with the butter mixture and grill for 3- 4 minutes on each side. You may want to use a grilling tray to prevent the delicate fish from breaking apart on the grill.
Make it on the stovetop.
Alternatively, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and brush with the butter and lemon pepper mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
More Tasty Ideas
If you love this Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas:
Baked Lemon Pepper Tilapia
This Baked Tilapia with Lemon Pepper Seasoning is simple, flavorful, and needs only three ingredients and 20 minutes to throw it together. And it’s low carb and healthy too!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets, approximately 1 pound total, fresh or defrosted from frozen
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- Fresh lemon, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and lemon pepper seasoning. Set aside.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray it lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange tilapia filets on the baking sheet and brush with the lemon pepper butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
