Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia in Foil
This Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia is an effortless yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the coast right to your kitchen or campsite! By using aluminum foil, the fish steams in its own juices combined with vegetables, resulting in incredibly moist, tender fillets packed with flavor. The onions not only keep the fish from drying out, but they also infuse a gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the tilapia. You can customize this recipe to fit any seasoning blend you love, whether it's a zesty lemon pepper, a special blend from your favorite spice shop, or even fresh herbs from your garden. Perfect for both indoor baking and outdoor grilling, this dish is as easy to cleanup as it is to prepare—just toss the foil! Pair it with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete, healthy meal.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
2 (thawed if frozen)
Sweet onion
1/3 (sliced into 1/3-1/2-inch rings)
Olive oil
1/2 tablespoon (to drizzle)
Butter
1 teaspoon (softened)
Lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon (or your favorite fish seasoning)
Lemon slices
4 (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare your grill.
2
Cut a large piece of aluminum foil and place the onion rings in the center.
3
Lay the tilapia fillets on top of the onion slices.
4
Drizzle the olive oil and softened butter over the fish, then sprinkle the lemon pepper seasoning evenly on top.
5
If using, layer the lemon slices on top of the fish.
6
Fold the foil over the fish and onions to create a tightly sealed packet.
7
Bake in the oven or grill for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8
Carefully open the foil packet, being cautious of steam, and serve with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Baked Tilapia in Foil?
It is an effortless seafood dish where tilapia fillets are steamed inside aluminum foil with onions, lemon, and seasonings for a moist and flavorful result.
How long does it take to bake the tilapia?
The tilapia typically takes about 20 minutes to bake in a preheated oven.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I cook this recipe on a grill?
Yes, the foil packets can be placed on a grill for approximately 20 minutes as an alternative to oven baking.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include tilapia fillets, sweet onion, olive oil, butter, lemon pepper seasoning, and optional lemon slices.
Is this tilapia recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, high-protein, and low-calorie meal option.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but they should be fully thawed before cooking for the best results.
Why are onion rings placed under the fish?
The onions prevent the fish from sticking to the foil and drying out while infusing it with a gentle sweetness.
Can I substitute the butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer.
What seasoning is recommended?
Lemon pepper seasoning is recommended, but you can use any favorite fish blend or fresh herbs.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it contains only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other white fish like cod, snapper, or haddock can be prepared using this same foil-packet method.
What sides go well with lemon herb tilapia?
It pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or light grains.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking?
Drizzling olive oil and placing the fish on a bed of sliced onions ensures it won't stick to the foil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the packets a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried seasoning?
Absolutely, fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme are excellent additions to this dish.
How thick should the onion slices be?
The onions should be sliced into rings roughly 1/3 to 1/2-inch thick.
Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, the high protein and low carbohydrate content make it very keto-friendly.
How many tilapia fillets does this recipe cover?
The provided ingredient amounts are designed for 2 tilapia fillets.
Is the cleanup difficult?
No, cleanup is very easy because the food is contained in foil; you simply toss the foil after eating.
Can I add other vegetables to the foil packet?
Yes, thin-sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can be added to steam with the fish.
Why is aluminum foil used for baking fish?
The foil creates a sealed environment that steams the fish in its own juices, keeping it incredibly moist.
Are the lemon slices required?
No, they are optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and presentation.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5 grams of fat.
How do I safely open the foil packet?
Carefully peel back the foil to allow the hot steam to escape away from your face and hands.