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One-Skillet Lemon Butter Tilapia

A quick and flavorful one-skillet recipe featuring golden-brown tilapia fillets in a tangy lemon butter sauce, perfect for a delightful weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound tilapia fillets (3-4 fillets, fresh or thawed) Look for fresh or previously frozen fillets.
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika) Smoked paprika adds deeper flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For pan-searing.
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (half a stick)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice From about half a lemon.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped) For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels to achieve a golden crust.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the fine sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture on both sides of each fillet.
  3. Allow the seasoned fillets to rest while heating the skillet.
Cooking
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges turn opaque and the bottom is golden-brown.
  3. Gently flip each fillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
  4. Transfer the fillets to a serving platter and keep warm with foil.
Lemon Butter Sauce
  1. In a light-colored skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk briefly to create a smooth sauce.
Serving
  1. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the tilapia fillets and garnish with chopped parsley.
  2. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, serve hot with sides like garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp salad. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.