Lemon Herb Tilapia

Name: Lemon Herb Tilapia
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets; 1 teaspoon dried tarragon; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 whole lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced); 1 tablespoon olive oil

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If you’re looking for a quick, healthy dinner that’s big on flavor but low on effort, this Lemon Herb Tilapia is exactly what you need. Think juicy, flaky fish brightened up with lemon and tossed with savory herbs—it’s the kind of meal that slips into your weeknight rotation after just one bite. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or whenever you want something that feels fresh but doesn’t take a lot of work.

Vertical collage showing raw tilapia fillets seasoned with lemon and herbs in a skillet, and finished Lemon Herb Tilapia baked with lemon slices and asparagus.

This recipe is a one-pan wonder: easy to prep, easy to cook, and super easy to love. You’ll have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes, and it’s gluten-free, high-protein, and pairs perfectly with almost any side (asparagus, anyone?).

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Tilapia

20-minute meal: From prep to plate, you’re done fast.
Clean, bright flavors: Lemon and herbs make the tilapia shine.
Minimal ingredients: Just pantry staples and a couple of lemons.
One-pan (and oven-safe!): Less cleanup, more flavor.
Healthy & gluten-free: No breading, no flour, just pure, lean protein.

Ingredients & Simple Swaps

Tilapia fillets: Fresh or thawed from frozen.
Dried tarragon & thyme: Adds depth—swap in Italian seasoning, dill, or parsley if you like.
Lemon: You’ll use both juice and slices for maximum brightness.
Olive oil: For flavor and a bit of healthy fat.
Salt & black pepper: Season to taste.

Marble board with tilapia fillets, lemons, fresh thyme, dried herbs, and salt—ingredients for lemon herb tilapia.

Optional swaps:

Try the same method with cod, halibut, or another mild white fish.
Use fresh herbs if you have them (double the amount for fresh).

Step-By-Step: How to Make Lemon Herb Tilapia

1. Mix the Herb Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine dried tarragon, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.

2. Prep the Lemons

Slice one lemon into thin rounds (remove any seeds). Halve the other lemon and squeeze the juice over both sides of the tilapia fillets.

3. Season the Tilapia

Sprinkle the herb mixture generously on both sides of the lemony fillets.

Hand sprinkling salt and herbs over raw tilapia fillets on a plate, with lemon halves in the background.

4. Pan-Sear the Fish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high.
Add tilapia and cook for 3–5 minutes, until golden brown underneath.

Skillet with tilapia fillets, lemon slices, and sprinkled herbs, ready to bake for lemon herb tilapia.

5. Finish in the Oven

Flip the fish. Squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the top, arrange lemon slices around and on top of the fish, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for another 3–5 minutes, until the tilapia is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the tilapia, top with the browned lemon slices, and spoon any pan juices over the top. Pair with steamed asparagus, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Plate of oven-baked tilapia fillets with asparagus, lemon slices, and fresh thyme, lemons in the background.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Ideas

Don’t overcook: Tilapia is done when it flakes easily and is opaque all the way through.
No oven-safe skillet? Sear in a regular pan, then transfer fish and lemon slices to a baking dish to finish in the oven.
Add a veggie: Asparagus, green beans, or a spring salad are perfect with this light fish.
Make it a meal: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a balanced plate.

FAQ

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes! Thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Can I use other herbs?

Absolutely. Try dill, parsley, basil, or your favorite blend.

Can I grill the tilapia instead?

Yes—just oil your grill grates and cook over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

What sides go best?

Steamed veggies, garlic rice, couscous, or a big green salad all work beautifully.