Lemon Butter Tilapia Dinner

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Dinners

This vibrant one-pan meal combines tender tilapia fillets with crisp roasted baby potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. A rich lemon butter sauce brightens each bite, while simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy dish suits pescatarian and gluten-free diets, offering a fresh balance of textures and tastes that complement each other wonderfully.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:51:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Lemon Butter Tilapia ready on a sheet pan, with roasted vegetables and fresh parsley. Pin
Golden, flaky Lemon Butter Tilapia ready on a sheet pan, with roasted vegetables and fresh parsley. | orchardcrust.com

A bright, flavorful sheet pan dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets, crisp roasted vegetables, and a zesty lemon butter sauce—all ready in under 30 minutes and budget-friendly.

This sheet pan dinner has become my go-to weeknight meal because it’s simple, healthy, and always gets rave reviews from family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Fish & Marinade: 4 tilapia fillets (about 5–6 oz each), 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 lemon zested and juiced, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Vegetables: 1 pound baby potatoes halved, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 zucchini sliced, 1 red onion sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2:
In a small bowl whisk together melted butter olive oil minced garlic lemon zest lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper and Italian seasoning.
Step 3:
Place tilapia fillets on one side of the prepared sheet pan. Brush generously with the lemon butter mixture reserving 1 tablespoon for later.
Step 4:
In a large bowl toss potatoes bell pepper zucchini and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Step 5:
Arrange vegetables on the other side of the sheet pan in a single layer.
Step 6:
Roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven brush fillets with remaining lemon butter and gently stir vegetables.
Step 7:
Return to oven and roast for another 10 minutes or until tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are golden and tender.
Step 8:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
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| orchardcrust.com

This meal always brings everyone to the table happy and hungry ready to enjoy good food together.

Notes

Serve over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay.

Required Tools

Large sheet pan Mixing bowls Whisk or fork Basting brush Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains fish and dairy (butter). Ensure butter is real dairy if allergies are a concern use plant-based butter for dairy-free. Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Sheet pan of vibrant Lemon Butter Tilapia with perfectly cooked vegetables, drizzled with zesty lemon sauce. Pin
Sheet pan of vibrant Lemon Butter Tilapia with perfectly cooked vegetables, drizzled with zesty lemon sauce. | orchardcrust.com

This lemon butter tilapia sheet pan dinner is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and easy to prepare.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute tilapia with another fish?

Yes, mild white fish such as cod or haddock work well as alternatives while maintaining a tender texture.

What vegetables work best with this dish?

Baby potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions roast nicely, but asparagus or broccoli can also be added for variety.

How do I ensure the fish stays moist while roasting?

Brushing the fillets with the lemon butter mixture before and halfway through cooking helps retain moisture and infuse flavor.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the fresh lemon and buttery notes beautifully.

Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free making it a safe and delicious option.

Lemon Butter Tilapia Dinner

Tender fish with roasted veggies and bright lemon butter sauce, all on one pan for easy cooking.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
20 min
Overall time
30 min
Created by Ruby Hensley


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Gluten Free

What You Need

Fish & Marinade

01 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 oz each)
02 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 1 lemon, zested and juiced
06 1 teaspoon salt
07 ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
02 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 1 zucchini, sliced
04 1 red onion, sliced
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 ½ teaspoon salt
07 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 Fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 02

Make lemon butter marinade: Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl.

Step 03

Arrange and season tilapia: Place tilapia fillets on one side of the sheet pan and brush generously with the lemon butter mixture, reserving 1 tablespoon.

Step 04

Toss vegetables with oil and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 05

Arrange vegetables on sheet pan: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the opposite side of the pan from the fish.

Step 06

Roast first 10 minutes: Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove pan. Brush tilapia with remaining lemon butter and stir vegetables gently.

Step 07

Finish roasting: Return pan to oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, until tilapia is opaque and flakes easily and vegetables are tender and golden.

Step 08

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the fish and vegetables. Serve with lemon wedges.

Needed Tools

  • Large sheet pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Basting brush
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen Warnings

Read ingredient labels to spot allergens. If unsure, consult your doctor or a specialist.
  • Contains fish and dairy (butter). Use plant-based butter to make dairy-free. Verify labels to avoid hidden allergens.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These figures are intended for reference—not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 310
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 26 g