Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of tangy lemon and rich butter creates a delicious sauce that complements the tender tilapia fillets beautifully. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a simple way to enjoy a healthy seafood meal.
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 evenly with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes until hot.
- Step 3: Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet in a single layer. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Place pieces of butter on top of each fillet and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Spoon the melted butter and lemon sauce over the tilapia until well coated.
Tips & Variations
- For a zestier flavor, add lemon zest to the butter sauce before drizzling.
- Swap tilapia for other mild white fish like cod or sole if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the rich flavors.
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 or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the Lemon Butter Tilapia instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake the fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, then add the butter and lemon juice sauce before serving.
Is tilapia a healthy choice?
Tilapia is a lean source of protein and low in calories, making it a healthy option when prepared with minimal added fats and seasonings.
PrintLemon Butter Tilapia Recipe
Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick and flavorful pan-seared fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper, cooked to perfection in a hot skillet, and finished with a rich butter and tangy lemon juice sauce. Ideal for a light, healthy meal with a zesty kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 Tilapia fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasonings
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Fish: Pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper to infuse flavor.
- Heat Oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering, which helps achieve a nice sear on the fish.
- Cook Tilapia: Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, developing a golden crust.
- Add Butter and Lemon: Place pieces of butter atop each cooked fillet, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Spoon the melting butter sauce over the fillets to coat them evenly, enhancing the dish with rich and tangy flavor.
Notes
- Patting the fish dry before seasoning ensures a better sear and crispier crust.
- You can substitute tilapia with other white fish like cod or snapper if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish to keep it tender and moist.
Keywords: Lemon Butter Tilapia, Pan-Seared Tilapia, Easy Fish Recipe, Quick Dinner, Seafood, Healthy Dinner
