Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender tilapia fillets are seasoned, seared to golden perfection, then finished with a luscious lemon butter sauce that brightens every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels. Season both sides with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place the tilapia fillets in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the fish is golden and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Add pieces of butter on top of each fillet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Spoon the melted butter sauce over the fish to coat well before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the butter sauce.
- You can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish such as cod or sole.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the tilapia instead of pan-searing?
Yes, you can bake the seasoned fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, then add the butter and lemon sauce afterward.
Is tilapia a healthy choice?
Tilapia is a low-calorie, lean protein that’s a good source of essential nutrients. It’s a healthy option when prepared with minimal added fat.
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Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick and flavorful pan-seared fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper, then cooked in a buttery lemon sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances bright citrus notes with rich butter for a delicious and easy seafood meal.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 Tilapia fillets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Tilapia: Pat dry the tilapia fillets thoroughly using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning to infuse the fish with flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until hot and shimmering, which prepares the pan for the searing process.
- Sear the Fish: Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet in a single layer. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the underside is golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Add Butter and Lemon: Place small pieces of butter on top of each fillet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Allow the butter to melt and create a lemony sauce. Spoon the sauce over the fillets to coat them completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the tilapia is patted dry to get a nice sear and avoid steaming the fish.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste if preferred less salty or less spicy.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tilapia recipe, lemon butter tilapia, pan seared fish, easy seafood dinner, quick fish recipe
