Description
A quick and delicious Pan-Fried Tilapia recipe featuring tender fillets cooked to golden perfection and topped with a zesty lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Cook the tilapia: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the tilapia fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add lemon juice: Pour in the lemon juice while stirring, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the tilapia for a crispy exterior.
- Do not overcook the fish to maintain its moist texture.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad.
- For an extra layer of flavor, season the tilapia with paprika or your favorite herbs before cooking.
