Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the center position

Step 2

Pat the tilapia dry with a paper towel

Step 3

Season all over with the salt and paprika

Step 4

Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small skillet over medium heat

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute

Step 6

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon zest

Step 7

Place the lemon slices in a single layer on the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish

Step 8

Add the tilapia over top of the lemon, then pour over the garlic butter

Step 9

Bake until the tilapia easily flakes with a fork, 10-12 minutes

Step 10

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat

Step 11

Stir in the panko and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes

Step 12

Divide the tilapia between plates and sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumbs, pepper, and parsley

Step 13

Serve the lemon rounds on the side if desired.