PAN FRIED TILAPIA WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE Recipe

I whipped up my Pan Fried Tilapia With Lemon Butter Sauce for an engaging dinner treat. I lightly coated tilapia fillets with flour and pan-seared them in olive oil and butter, finishing with garlic and lemon juice. Fresh parsley adds brightness to this savory dish that surprises with every bite.

I recently tried a new twist on pan fried tilapia with lemon butter sauce and it turned out amazing. I took 4 tilapia fillets, seasoned them with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and lightly dusted them in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour before frying in 3 tablespoons olive oil.

When the fillets hit that perfect golden color, I added 4 tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 garlic cloves minced, letting them sizzle before stirring in 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice. The flavor reminded me of those awesome butter tilapia recipes and even some fish and shrimp dinner ideas I’ve seen before.

I finished it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and some lemon slices for garnish. This lemon tilapia pan dish is super quick to whip up and is ideal for a slightly fancy weeknight dinner feel even if you’re not in a rush.

Enjoy giving it a try and let me know how it turns out.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this tilapia recipe for several reasons:

1. I like how the tilapia gets a really nice golden crust that adds a great crunch and flavor to each bite. Even though it’s simple, it always makes me feel like I’m eating something special.

2. The lemon butter sauce is awesome cause the tangy lemon with the rich butter just gives the meal a burst of flavor that mixes so well with the fish. Its taste is super bright and makes the dish extra lively.

3. I appreciate that this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Sometimes, after a long day, I really need something that doesn’t take forever to whip up, and this one always comes through.

4. I also dig how versatile it is – whether I want a cozy weeknight dinner or something that feels a bit more fancy for guests, this recipe works great every time.

Ingredients

• Tilapia fillets: theyre lean protein with a delicate flavor and essential nutrients.
• Salt and pepper: simple seasonings that lift and intensify every ingredient’s taste.
• All-purpose flour: creates a light crispy coating that seals in flavor.
• Olive oil: healthy monounsaturated fats which add a light fruity vibe for cooking.
• Unsalted butter: rich, creamy fat that makes a silky, tangy lemon butter sauce.
• Garlic: aromatic and adds a subtle spicy note to enhance overall taste.
• Lemon juice: tart and bright, perfectly balancing the savory flavors.
• Fresh parsley: adds a mild herbal note and a pop of color.
• Lemon slices: decorative and extra zesty flair for a finished presentation.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 tilapia fillets (around 6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• Lemon slices (optional garnish)

How to Make this

1. Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels then season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper.

2. Dredge the fillets evenly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any extra flour so they are lightly coated.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

4. Carefully lay the tilapia in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they have a nice golden crust.

5. Remove the tilapia from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

6. Lower the heat to medium then add the unsalted butter to the same skillet.

7. Once the butter starts to foam, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds till fragrant.

8. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and let the sauce simmer for another minute.

9. Return the tilapia fillets to the pan to coat them well with the lemon butter sauce.

10. Serve hot, drizzled with any extra sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices if you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels
2. Shallow dish or bowl for coating the tilapia in flour
3. Large skillet
4. Measuring cup for flour and lemon juice
5. Knife for mincing garlic
6. Cutting board for garlic prep
7. Tongs or spatula for flipping the fish
8. Plate for setting aside the cooked tilapia

FAQ

PAN FRIED TILAPIA WITH LEMON BUTTER SAUCE Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find tilapia, try using cod or sole fillets instead. They fry up nicely too
• You can swap out all-purpose flour with cornmeal or a gluten-free substitute like rice flour if you need to
• If olive oil is not available, vegetable oil or canola oil works just fine for frying the fish
• You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, just remember to reduce the extra salt in the recipe
• Fresh lemon juice can be replaced with bottled lemon juice, although the flavor might be a bit less vibrant

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you pat the tilapia extra dry so the flour really sticks and you get a nice crispy crust over the fillets. Even a little bit of water on the fish can cause the flour to be clumpy.

2. When you’re frying the fish, test the oil before it hits the pan by flicking a tiny bit of flour in it. If it sizzles immediately then you’re good to go. This can help you avoid overcooked or undercooked pieces.

3. While making the garlic butter sauce, keep an eye on the garlic because it burns really fast. Once it starts to smell nutty, add the lemon juice quickly to stop it from overcooking and becoming bitter.

4. After you return the fish to the pan with the sauce, let them sit for a minute so they can soak up all that yummy flavor. This extra step can really up your game and make the dish taste even better.