Pan Fried Tilapia (with Lemon Butter Sauce): A Simple, Elegant Meal
This Pan Fried Tilapia is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender tilapia fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and drizzled with a rich lemon butter sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets tilapia 6 oz each (1.5 lb total)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder for seasoning tilapia
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup salted butter for sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder for sauce
Instructions
- Pat 4 tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until hot but not smoking.
- Place the seasoned fillets in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until the edges turn opaque. Flip gently and cook the other side for 2-4 minutes, until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add 1/2 cup salted butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice and garlic powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Drizzle a small amount of lemon butter sauce on each plate. Place the cooked tilapia fillets over the sauce and drizzle more sauce on top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
For a zestier flavor, add lemon zest to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal
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