Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The fish is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then topped with a tangy, buttery sauce infused with garlic and lemon. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with vegetables, rice, or salad.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

tilapia filletsflourgarlic powderpaprikaonionsaltblack pepperolive oilunsalted buttergarlic cloveslemon juicefresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.

Dredge the fillets lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the tilapia fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.

Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add lemon juice and stir to combine, simmering for another minute.

Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the fried tilapia fillets.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesTotal time: 20-22 minutes

Variations

Use cod or haddock instead of tilapia for a similar result.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Include capers or chopped olives in the butter sauce for extra depth.

Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed green beans.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat it dry thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best oil for frying tilapia?

Olive oil or vegetable oil both work well due to their medium-high smoke points.

Can I bake the tilapia instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then pour the sauce over before serving.

How do I know when the fish is done?

Tilapia should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and reheated just before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?

Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement it perfectly.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging to make it gluten-free.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, doubling the sauce is a great idea if you like extra to drizzle over sides.

What if I don’t have parsley?

You can use dill, basil, or chives as an alternative garnish.

Conclusion

Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a fast, flavorful, and elegant dish that turns a simple fish fillet into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this recipe delivers delicious results with minimal effort. Give it a try, and it may just become your go-to seafood dinner.