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Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

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Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, flaky tilapia seared to perfection and drizzled with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

 

Ingredients

For the Tilapia:

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Tilapia

  • Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
  • Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the Tilapia

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place fillets in the skillet in a single layer.
  • Sear for 3–4 minutes until the edges become opaque.
  • Flip and cook for another 2–4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  • Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add butter and let it melt completely.
  • Stir in lemon juice and garlic powder, cooking for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

4. Serve

  • Drizzle lemon butter sauce onto plates.
  • Place tilapia fillets on top and pour the remaining sauce over the fish.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Add fresh parsley, dill, or thyme to the sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
  • Alternative Fish: Works well with cod, haddock, or flounder.
  • Creamy Sauce: Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer texture.

Find it online: https://avarecipe.com/pan-fried-tilapia-with-lemon-butter-sauce/