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Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe

4.5 from 51 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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