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Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

Lemon Butter Tilapia is a quick, flavorful skillet-cooked fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper, then seared in oil and topped with a rich lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it combines bright citrus notes with savory butter for a deliciously simple meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasonings

  • 4 Tilapia fillets
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

Cooking Fats and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp searing. Season both sides of each fillet evenly with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Allow it to heat for 1-2 minutes until shimmering, which ensures a good sear.
  3. Sear the Tilapia: Arrange the seasoned fillets in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, allowing a golden crust to develop while the fish cooks through.
  4. Add Butter and Lemon Juice: Once the tilapia is seared, place small pieces of butter on top of each fillet. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the fish, spooning the melted butter sauce over the fillets to fully coat them. This step adds richness and a bright citrus finish.

Notes

  • Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and prevents sticking.
  • You can substitute lemon pepper seasoning with a mix of ground black pepper and lemon zest if preferred.
  • Serve immediately with steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal.
  • If you want a little extra zest, add some freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Keywords: Tilapia, Lemon Butter, Fish Recipe, Pan-fried Fish, Quick Dinner, Healthy Fish

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/lemon-butter-tilapia-recipe/