Easy Lemon Butter Tilapia
This easy lemon butter tilapia is a quick and healthy fish dinner made in one skillet. Tender tilapia fillets are pan-seared and finished in a rich, buttery lemon sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220kcal
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Fish spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the tilapia fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Return the tilapia to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets.
- Cook for 1 additional minute, then remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled. Avoid overcooking the tilapia, as it cooks quickly and can become dry. This recipe pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.