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Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia

Close-up of a perfectly cooked Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia fillet swimming in rich, yellow butter sauce topped with herbs.
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A quick recipe for pan-searing tilapia fillets to a flaky finish, coated in a simple, bright lemon garlic butter sauce made directly in the skillet.

Ingredients

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  • 4 (5-ounce) tilapia fillets, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place the tilapia fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly for 1 minute.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the fish.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh, high-quality butter.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the wine/broth reduce for an extra minute before adding the lemon juice.
  • Serve this tilapia with steamed asparagus or a side of rice pilaf to soak up the extra sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorandpin.com/lemon-garlic-butter-tilapia/