Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce is a delightful, elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The tilapia is lightly seasoned and seared to perfection, then topped with a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce that enhances the delicate flavor of the fish. This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Appliances and Special Utensils

• Skillet (preferably non-stick or stainless steel)
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each fillet with flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Heat Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

3. Cook Tilapia: Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

4. Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

5. Add Liquids: Pour in the lemon juice and chicken broth. Whisk to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.

6. Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

7. Serve: Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the pan-seared tilapia fillets. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce!