This Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the delicate flakiness of tilapia with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something light, delicious, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the ultimate combination of crispy pan-fried fish and a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce. The tilapia fillets cook in just 10 minutes, making this a fast, healthy dinner option. The lemon butter sauce adds a burst of freshness and flavor, perfectly complementing the mild taste of the tilapia. This recipe is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and a great way to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 tilapia fillets
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped
directions
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Cook the tilapia: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the fillets in the pan for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the fish from the pan and set it aside.
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Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to combine the flavors.
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Serve: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 230 kcal per serving
Variations
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Add vegetables: Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a spicy kick.
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Different fish: Swap tilapia for other white fish like cod, haddock, or sole, if preferred.
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Herb twist: Add fresh thyme, dill, or tarragon to the lemon butter sauce for extra herbal flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftover tilapia and lemon butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when tilapia is done cooking?
Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce and pour it over the fish just before serving.
Can I use other citrus instead of lemon?
Yes, you can use lime or orange juice for a different citrus flavor in the sauce. Lime would give a fresher, tangier taste, while orange would add a sweeter note.
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve this pan-fried tilapia with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a light, balanced meal.
Conclusion
Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings the best of fresh seafood and zesty citrus together in one satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its light yet indulgent flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s full of flavor and freshness!
Print
Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, light, and flavorful meal featuring crispy tilapia fillets topped with a zesty, buttery lemon sauce. This easy 15-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete, healthy seafood dish!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the tilapia: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season tilapia with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add lemon juice: Stir in lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let simmer for 1 minute.
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Serve: Pour lemon butter sauce over cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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Vegetable pairing: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
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Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
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Fish alternatives: Cod, haddock, or sole can be used instead of tilapia.
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Herb variation: Fresh thyme, dill, or tarragon can be added for more complexity.
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Reheating: Warm gently over low heat or microwave to avoid drying the fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
