Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a light, flavorful dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The delicate, flaky fish is seasoned simply with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then pan-fried to a crispy golden perfection. The real star of the dish is the rich lemon butter sauce, which adds a tangy, buttery finish that enhances the mild sweetness of the tilapia.
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to steamed rice or a fresh green salad. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its restaurant-quality flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15-20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Rich & Flavorful: A perfectly balanced lemon butter sauce enhances the mild, flaky fish.
• Healthy & Light: A great source of lean protein with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
• 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each, about 1.5 lbs total)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning tilapia)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
• ½ cup salted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tilapia
1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Set aside while you heat the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Tilapia
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, until the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet in a single layer.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until the edges turn opaque and the bottom is golden brown.
4. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low.
2. Add ½ cup salted butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the lemon juice and garlic powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
1. Drizzle a small amount of lemon butter sauce on each plate.
2. Place the cooked tilapia fillets over the sauce.
3. Drizzle more sauce on top of the fish.
4. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Tips
• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Tilapia cooks quickly—remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the sauce a bright, natural flavor.
• Crispy Texture Tip: For a crispier crust, lightly coat the fish in flour before pan-frying.
• Enhance the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to keep the fish moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fillets.
• Freezing: While tilapia freezes well, the lemon butter sauce is best made fresh. If freezing, store fish separately and make the sauce upon reheating.
Serving Suggestions
• With Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli make excellent pairings.
• With Rice or Potatoes: Serve over jasmine rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic butter quinoa for a hearty meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the rich sauce.
