Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Tilapia features tender, flaky fish fillets pan-seared to golden perfection in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and herbs. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner that tastes like restaurant-quality cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. In a small dish, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season both sides of each fillet generously with the spice mixture.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to foam, but don’t let it brown. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
- Sear the Tilapia: Once the butter is hot and foaming, carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear the fish for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them. You want a beautiful golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip Carefully: Using a fish spatula, gently flip each fillet to the other side. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the cooked fish to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter and stir to combine. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Pour the aromatic garlic butter sauce over the tilapia fillets. Garnish with lemon slices and additional fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Make sure your fish is completely dry before seasoning and cooking to achieve the best sear
- Don’t overcook the fish; tilapia cooks quickly and can become dry if left on the heat too long
- Watch the garlic carefully as it can burn quickly and become bitter
- For thicker fillets, you may need an extra minute or two of cooking time
- The sauce can be doubled if you want extra for drizzling over rice or vegetables
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg