Quick and Healthy Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Quick and Healthy Broiled Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring tender, flaky tilapia fillets broiled with zesty lemon, aromatic black pepper, and simple seasonings. Ready in under 15 minutes, this light yet satisfying recipe is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that supports healthy eating goals without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasonings
- 4–6 ounces tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed), 2-4 fillets depending on serving size
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Tilapia: Pat your tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they broil evenly and develop a nice surface. Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Season Thoroughly: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the fillets, then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder generously, ensuring every bite has flavor.
- Broil to Perfection: Set your oven’s broiler to high and place the baking sheet about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and achieves a slight golden color.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it rest briefly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch and an added layer of freshness.
Notes
- Choose fresh or properly thawed tilapia for the best texture and flavor.
- Watch the broiler closely to avoid overcooking and drying out the fish.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright acidity and best flavor.
- Season evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Elevate the fillets on a broiling rack if available to promote better air circulation and crispy edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet (4-6 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: tilapia, lemon pepper tilapia, broiled fish, healthy fish recipe, quick dinner, gluten free fish