Pan Fried Tilapia Lemon Butter (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Tilapia
01 -
1.5 pounds of fresh tilapia fillets (about 4 pieces, 6 ounces each)
02 -
Half a teaspoon of fragrant garlic powder
03 -
A generous teaspoon of sea salt
04 -
A quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
05 -
2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil
→ For the Lemon Butter Sauce
06 -
Half a cup of salted butter
07 -
Juice from one fresh lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
08 -
Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by thoroughly patting your tilapia fillets dry with paper towels - this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown sear. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside while you heat your pan.
02 -
Get your large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with the olive oil, giving it about 2 minutes to reach the right temperature.
03 -
Carefully place your seasoned fillets in the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd (cook in batches if needed). Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until you see the edges turning beautifully opaque. Flip them gently and cook for another 2-4 minutes until they're cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 135-140°F. If they're browning too quickly, don't hesitate to lower the heat to medium.
04 -
Transfer your perfectly cooked fillets to a warm plate and cover them snugly with foil to keep all that lovely heat in.
05 -
Turn down the heat to medium-low and prepare your lemon butter sauce right in the same pan, capturing all those wonderful flavors from cooking the fish.
06 -
Pour a little of your heavenly lemon butter sauce onto each plate, place your golden-brown tilapia on top, and finish with another generous drizzle of sauce.
# Notes:
01 -
This recipe comes from Maya Krampf of Wholesome Yum, featuring a perfectly pan-seared tilapia with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce.