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Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Tilapia with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce

A beautifully pan-seared fillet of Garlic Butter Tilapia swimming in a rich, bright yellow lemon butter sauce, topped with fresh parsley.
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Prepare moist, flavorful tilapia fillets quickly using a simple pan-sear method finished with a bright garlic butter and fresh lemon sauce. This is an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry using paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and foams.
  3. Carefully place the tilapia fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant; do not let it brown.
  5. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer and reduce slightly for 1 minute.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Whisk until the sauce is combined.
  7. Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For moist fish, do not overcook. Tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  • If you prefer baking, place seasoned fillets on a baking sheet, top with 1 tablespoon of butter, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve this dish over steamed asparagus or with a side of rice pilaf.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/garlic-butter-tilapia-with-lemon-sauce/