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Pan-seared tilapia with lemony butter sauce brings together simplicity and elegance, making it great for weeknight meals or special occasions. The fish turns out golden and crispy, perfectly complementing the tangy sauce in a mouthwatering flavor combo. This easy-to-make dish lets you enjoy restaurant-quality food right in your own kitchen.
A dish you'll fall in love with
Fish lovers will be amazed by this fantastic meal. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy its perfect balance of lightness and rich flavors. The tilapia gets a beautiful golden crust while the lemony butter sauce adds a creamy, tangy finish. This dish goes well with many side options and will wow your guests with its fancy look.
Must-have ingredients
You'll need 4 tilapia fillets (about 170g each) that are fresh or thawed, without skin or bones for easy cooking. Get 125g of melted salted butter for a smooth sauce. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to get that golden sear. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for tanginess. For seasoning, grab garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper to boost the fish flavor and enhance the sauce.
Step-by-step cooking guide
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Place your seasoned fillets in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges look cloudy. Carefully flip and cook another 2-4 minutes. Turn down the heat to medium-low. Add 125g of salted butter and let it melt. Stir in the lemon juice and garlic powder. Cook 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Pour some sauce on plates, add the tilapia, then drizzle more sauce on top.
Tasty side dishes
Your tilapia goes well with lots of sides for a full meal. Try steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for something fresh. If you want something heartier, go with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy lemon butter sauce.
Storing and warming up
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat it again, warm the fish gently in a pan on low heat so it doesn't dry out, and heat the sauce separately. You can freeze the fish for up to 2 months, but it's better to make fresh sauce when you're ready to serve it.
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Tasty twists
You can easily change up this dish to create different flavor combos. Throw in some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the butter sauce for extra aroma. Add a dash of chili flakes if you want some heat. Try using lime or orange instead of lemon for a different fruity kick. You can also coat the tilapia with a mix of parmesan and breadcrumbs before cooking if you want extra crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when tilapia is done?
- The fish is ready when the inside turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Usually, it takes about 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- → Can another type of fish be used?
- Absolutely, firm white fish like cod, sole, or seabass work great as substitutes for tilapia in this dish.
- → How can I stop the fish from sticking to the pan?
- Make sure the pan is fully heated before adding fish. Dry the fillets thoroughly and avoid flipping them more than once while cooking.
- → Can the sauce be made ahead of time?
- It’s best to prepare the sauce just before serving so it stays warm and smooth. Once cooled, it can solidify and lose its creamy texture.
- → What sides go best with this dish?
- This tilapia pairs wonderfully with white rice, steamed veggies, or a simple salad. Roasted potatoes or quinoa are also excellent choices.