Light yet hearty, bright yet comforting — this Lemon Garlic Baked Fish is proof that healthy-ish can still feel indulgent. Flaky fillets bake in a pool of garlicky lemon butter until just opaque, with caramelized lemon slices and fresh herbs on top. Dinner in 25 minutes, one dish.
Ingredients
- 4 white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia), about 6 oz each
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish.
- Season the fish: Pat fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Arrange in the dish.
- Make the lemon garlic butter: Whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Coat and top: Pour the butter mixture over the fillets and lay lemon slices on top.
- Bake: Bake 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Broil briefly (optional): Broil 1-2 minutes for lightly golden tops.
- Finish and serve: Spoon the pan juices over, shower with parsley and dill, and serve with the roasted lemon.
Pro tip: Pull the fish the moment it flakes — even 2 extra minutes in the oven turns delicate fillets dry.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: 460 calories, 42g protein, 24g carbs, 23g fat.
