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Easy Pan-Fried Tilapia with Zesty Lemon Butter

A Deliciously Simple Delight consisting of flaky tilapia fillets pan-fried to perfection, coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fish and Cooking Oil
  • 4 pieces tilapia fillets Fresh
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For cooking and sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying
Flavoring Ingredients
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Add depth of flavor
  • 1 whole lemon, juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor
  • 1 whole lemon, zest Use a microplane for best results
  • to taste salt For seasoning
  • to taste pepper For seasoning
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, combine olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
  2. Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the tilapia and set aside on a plate.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the garlic, add the lemon zest, and stir well to combine. Let the sauce cook for about a minute.
Final Steps
  1. Return the cooked tilapia to the skillet, spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice sear. Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or thyme for additional flavor profiles. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the fish to reduce sticking.