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How to Make the Best Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 -4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Tilapia fillets
  • Garlic powder
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Salted butter
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
  •  

Method
 

Season the Tilapia:
  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Heat the Skillet:
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Pan-Fry the Tilapia:
  1. Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet in a single layer.
  2. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until the edges become opaque and the underside is golden brown.
  3. Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
  1. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  2. Add the salted butter to the same skillet and let it melt completely.
  3. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, combining thoroughly.
  4. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Serve:
  1. Drizzle a portion of the lemon butter sauce onto serving plates.
  2. Place the tilapia fillets over the sauce.
  3. Pour the remaining sauce over the fillets.
  4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  5. 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.

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