When you’re short on time but still want a healthy and flavorful meal, this 15-minute baked tilapia and cherry tomatoes is the perfect choice. Tender, flaky white fish baked with juicy cherry tomatoes in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with fresh flavors. Pair it with rice for a complete, satisfying meal that's ready in no time!
If you love quick recipes, you'll love my 15-Minute Tofu & Broccoli Spaghetti, 15-Minute Beef Fajitas, or 15-Minute Cheesy Shells.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Delicious: High in protein and low in carbs, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice create a rich, zesty sauce that pairs perfectly with the fish.
Customizable: Use your favorite white fish or swap in other vegetables for a personal touch.
15-Minute Baked Tilapia & Cherry Tomatoes Video
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Ingredients for 15-Minute Baked Tilapia & Cherry Tomatoes
Full recipe, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 4 tilapia fillets (or your preferred white fish, such as cod or halibut)
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon parsley seasoning
- 1.5 lemons, juiced
Instructions for 15-Minute Baked Tilapia & Cherry Tomatoes
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare the Tomatoes
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
Make the Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the crushed garlic, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and parsley seasoning.
- Add the juice of 1.5 lemons to the melted butter mixture and mix well.
Assemble the Dish
- Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish. Pour ⅔ of the sauce over the fish, making sure they’re well-coated.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes around the fish and drizzle the remaining sauce over the tomatoes.
Bake the Fish
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (use a meat thermometer to check).
Serve and Garnish
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
Serve the baked tilapia and cherry tomatoes over steamed rice.
Tips for Perfect Baked Tilapia
Make It Your Own: Add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to the baking dish for extra veggies.
Choose Fresh Fish: Look for fillets that are firm and have a mild, fresh smell for the best results.
Don’t Overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly; check for an internal temp of 145°F or when the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and complements the Cajun flavors perfectly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! This recipe works well with cod, halibut, haddock, or even salmon. Adjust cooking times slightly for thicker fillets.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables are all great sides. A simple green salad pairs beautifully, too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover tilapia and tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for extra heat.
⭐️ Recipe
15-Minute Tilapia & Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- 4 tilapia fillets or your preferred white fish, such as cod or halibut
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon parsley seasoning
- 1.5 lemons juiced
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Prepare the Tomatoes
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
Make the Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the crushed garlic, Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and parsley seasoning.
- Add the juice of 1.5 lemons to the melted butter mixture and mix well.
Assemble the Dish
- Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish. Pour ⅔ of the sauce over the fish, making sure they’re well-coated.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes around the fish and drizzle the remaining sauce over the tomatoes.
Bake the Fish
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (use a meat thermometer to check).
Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve the baked tilapia and cherry tomatoes over steamed rice.
Jerry L. says
Nice! I am going to make this but will sub with Cod, because that's all I have today!. Thanks!!