Baked Tilapia Bowl (Printable)

Tender herb-seasoned tilapia over fluffy rice with crisp steamed vegetables for a satisfying wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish

01 - 4 tilapia fillets, approximately 5.3 oz each
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Rice

07 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
08 - 2 cups water
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Vegetables

10 - 2 cups broccoli florets
11 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
13 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
02 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides of each fillet evenly with the herb mixture and arrange on prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake tilapia fillets for 12 to 15 minutes until flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
04 - While tilapia bakes, bring 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff gently with a fork.
05 - Place broccoli florets and carrot slices in a steamer basket positioned over simmering water. Steam for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Transfer to serving vessel and optionally toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
06 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each portion with one tilapia fillet and a generous serving of steamed vegetables. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The fish stays impossibly tender without any fussing, and the herbs make it taste like you know what you're doing in the kitchen.
  • Everything cooks on different timelines that somehow work together perfectly, so you're not standing around waiting.
  • It's one bowl, which means minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
02 -
  • Drying the fish thoroughly before seasoning is non-negotiable—wet fillets steam instead of bake, and you lose that delicate texture you're after.
  • Don't open the oven door halfway through cooking to check on the fish; the temperature drop messes with the timing and you end up with uneven cooking.
03 -
  • Make extra rice on purpose—this bowl tastes just as good cold for lunch the next day, and the rice firms up in a way that's actually satisfying to reheat.
  • If your broccoli and carrots finish before the fish, move them to a plate and cover loosely with foil so they stay warm without overcooking further.
Return