Tilapia in Butter Sauce
Delight your taste buds with this quick and easy Tilapia in Butter Sauce recipe, a perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet. Tender tilapia fillets are lightly dusted with all-purpose flour for a golden sear, then bathed in a luscious garlic and lemon butter sauce infused with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or looking to impress with minimal effort, this tilapia recipe delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces tilapia fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Lightly coat the fillets in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt.
Carefully place the tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the butter sauce over the top to coat evenly. Let them warm through for about 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the tilapia to serving plates and drizzle any remaining butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
293 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.9 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 81 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 298 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.9 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.1 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 26 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 378 mg | 8% | |
*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.
