Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia
Tilapia fillets cook in a skillet with butter, fresh lemon juice, and garlic in about 15 minutes, making this one of the fastest fish dinners you can put on the table. The butter sauce keeps the fish moist while the lemon cuts through the richness. Serve it over rice or with a simple vegetable for a complete weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Zester or fine grater
- Small bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 large Tilapia fillets fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil extra virgin
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 whole Lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted
- ½ teaspoon Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Begin by gently patting the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This ensures a better sear in the pan.
- In your non-stick skillet, add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly. Heat over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Allow them to cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. You'll know they're ready when they flake easily with a fork. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt gently. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it simmer for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Return the tilapia to the skillet, turning them gently to coat in the lemon garlic butter sauce.
- Transfer the fillets to a serving platter, spooning extra sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor by marinating the tilapia in lemon juice and a touch of white wine for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute tilapia with another white fish such as cod or sole for a variation.
- For a quicker cook, try using pre-minced garlic available in jars. However, fresh garlic will always provide the best flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 34gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 529mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 260IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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