Description
This pan-fried tilapia with lemon butter sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tilapia is lightly seasoned and pan-seared until golden brown, then drizzled with a rich, citrusy butter sauce that enhances every bite. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
-
- Tilapia fillets
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the Skillet:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Pan-Fry the Tilapia:
- Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until the edges become opaque and the underside is golden brown.
- Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Add the salted butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, combining thoroughly.
- Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Serve:
- Drizzle a portion of the lemon butter sauce onto serving plates.
- Place the tilapia fillets over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the fillets.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the tilapia dry before cooking to get a crispier texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- If using frozen tilapia, thaw completely and remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American