Lemon Garlic Tilapia
This Lemon Garlic Tilapia is pan-seared until perfectly flaky, then finished with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor — ready in under 20 minutes! Serve with rice, veggies, or a light salad for a wholesome meal.
Time:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Tilapia:
4 tilapia fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
2. Sear the Tilapia:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (flakes easily with a fork).
Remove from pan and keep warm.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown).
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in chopped parsley.
4. Combine and Serve:
Return the tilapia to the skillet to warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Spoon sauce over the fillets and garnish with lemon slices and more parsley if desired.
Notes & Tips:
Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the fish.
Frozen tilapia? Thaw completely and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
For extra richness: Add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the end.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with:
Herbed rice or quinoa
Roasted potatoes
Garlic sauteed spinach or green beans
Mediterranean couscous salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
A: Yes! Bake seasoned tilapia at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes. Pour sauce over before serving.
Q: What other fish can I use?
A: You can substitute with cod, halibut, sole, or flounder.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free — just ensure the broth you use is certified gluten-free if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 3g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g