How to Prepare the Tilapia

• Cleaning and gutting the fish
  To prepare your whole tilapia for baking, start by rinsing it under cold water. Hold the fish by the tail and use a knife or spoon to scrape from tail to head, removing all scales. Make shallow cuts along the fins and pull them out. Next, create a slit along the belly, stopping at the gills. Open the cavity and remove the innards, using a spoon if needed. Rinse the inside thoroughly until the water runs clear.
• Prepping the garlic and herbs mixture
  Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and cilantro in a bowl. Add a touch of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. This herb butter will infuse your baked whole tilapia with delicious taste.
• Marinating and seasoning tips
  Season your whole tilapia in the oven with salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the fish, inside and out. For added zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tilapia. To enhance flavors, make shallow cuts on both sides of the fish before applying the seasoning. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper. For best results, let the seasoned tilapia rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Tilapia Whole Fish

Step 1: Preheating the oven

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This temperature is ideal for baking whole tilapia, ensuring it cooks evenly and develops a delicious golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Preparing the baking dish

Line a baking dish with foil and lightly brush it with olive oil. This prevents the whole tilapia from sticking and makes cleanup easier. You can also add sliced vegetables like green peppers or eggplant to the bottom of the dish for extra flavor.

Step 3: Placing and seasoning the fish

Place your prepared whole tilapia in the baking dish. Stuff the cavity with a mixture of fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon slices. Rub the outside of the fish with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. For added zest, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.

Step 4: Baking time and temperature guidelines

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the whole tilapia for about 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and broil for an additional 5-7 minutes to crisp up the skin. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).