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Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia

Close-up of golden-brown Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia fillets simmering in a rich, buttery sauce with minced garlic and parsley.
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Cook moist tilapia fillets quickly using a simple pan-searing method with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 4 (6 oz) tilapia fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place the tilapia fillets in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. 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, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
  7. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cooked tilapia fillets. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the tilapia in half the lemon juice and a pinch of garlic powder for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • If you prefer baking, place the seasoned fillets on a baking sheet, top with the butter, garlic, and lemon juice mixture, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve this dish with steamed asparagus or rice pilaf.

Nutrition

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