Dive into the vibrant flavors of these Cilantro Butter Tilapia Skillet Fillets, a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or a light, healthy dinner option. Tender tilapia fillets are seasoned with a smoky blend of paprika, salt, and pepper, then pan-seared to golden perfection in olive oil. The star of the dish is the zesty cilantro butter sauce, infused with fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat. This one-skillet recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a top choice for seafood lovers seeking a meal thatβs both flavorful and nutritious. Serve these fillets with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad, and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an elegant finishing touch!
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
Season both sides of the tilapia fillets with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tilapia fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt completely.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sautΓ© for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the lime juice and red pepper flakes (if using), then add the chopped fresh cilantro. Mix well into the butter mixture.
Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet and spoon the cilantro butter sauce over the top of each fillet. Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
Calories |
1107 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 75.2 g | 96% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.4 g | 147% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 1419 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.8 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 105.7 g | 211% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 1704 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.