Description
A quick and flavorful pan-fried tilapia recipe featuring a zesty lemon butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a light, healthy dinner with tender, golden fish fillets topped with a rich garlic-lemon butter glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the tilapia: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the tilapia fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the fillets turn golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Remove the cooked tilapia from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the aroma is fragrant but the garlic has not browned.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the lemon butter sauce generously over the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, pat the tilapia dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
- You can substitute parsley with fresh dill or basil as an alternative garnish.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
