Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro
Moist white fish fillets baked with a zesty garlic-lime marinade and fresh cilantro, capturing the bright flavors of Brazilian coastal cuisine. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic cloves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 white fish fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade evenly over them, turning to coat each fillet thoroughly. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on top.
- Step 3: Bake fish in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove and garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep freshly squeezed lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Brazilian-Style Fish with Garlic, Lime, and Cilantro?
Brazilian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
