Basil Baked Tilapia Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Baked Tilapia recipe! Perfect for delicate white fish like tilapia or flounder, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. The fragrant basil, buttery sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs create a symphony of taste that's sure to impress. Get ready for a light yet satisfying meal the whole family will love!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 258 kcal
Protein 84g
Rating 4.3 (17 Reviews)
Basil Baked Tilapia 27

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basil Baked Tilapia

  • White Wine
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh Basil Leaf
  • Fish Fillets
  • Lemon, Juice Of
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Plain Breadcrumbs
  • Pinch of paprika
  • Salt And Pepper

How to Make Basil Baked Tilapia

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. In a glass measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup dry white wine and 4 tablespoons of butter. Microwave on high until butter is melted, about 1 minute.
  3. Spread 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves over the bottom of a 9x13 inch glass baking dish, reserving a few large leaves for garnish.
  4. Place 4 (4-6 ounce) tilapia fillets over the basil.
  5. Remove the wine mixture from the microwave and stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
  6. Pour the wine mixture evenly over the fish fillets.
  7. Season the fish with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  8. Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of paprika over the fish.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place in the lower third of the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and continue baking until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 2-3 more minutes.
  11. Garnish with the reserved basil leaves and serve immediately.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

10g

Carbs

1g