Delight your taste buds with this easy and flavorful Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe, a perfect fusion of simplicity and elegance for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender tilapia fillets are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of paprika, salt, and black pepper before being pan-seared to golden perfection. The magic lies in the rich, velvety lemon butter sauce, infused with fragrant garlic, fresh lemon juice, and zest, creating a bright yet indulgent finish. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes, Lemon Butter Tilapia pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice.
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the fillets with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
Zest half of the lemon and then juice it. Slice the remaining half into thin rounds for garnish.
Finely mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until the edges begin to turn golden.
Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the skillet and place it on a plate. Keep warm by tenting with aluminum foil.
Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Stir until melted.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Return the tilapia to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Calories |
1218 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.3 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 352 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 2601 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 106.3 g | 213% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 109 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 1769 mg | 38% | |
*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.