Lemon Butter Tilapia

Tilapia has surged in popularity over recent years, becoming a staple in households around the globe. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, tilapia is not only versatile but also an excellent canvas for a variety of culinary styles. It lends itself beautifully to a range of preparations, from grilling and baking to frying and steaming, making it a favored choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. Among the many ways to prepare tilapia, the Zesty Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe stands out, delivering a delightful balance of bright citrus notes and rich, buttery undertones that tantalize the taste buds.

Discover the delightful combination of flavors in Zesty Lemon Butter Tilapia! This easy-to-follow recipe highlights the mild, flaky texture of tilapia, enhanced by a tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Learn about selecting sustainable tilapia and create a stunning meal that impresses family and friends without the stress of gourmet cooking.

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Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Tilapia: Start by patting the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring an even coating for flavor.

Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to heat until the butter melts and begins to foam slightly, indicating it's ready for cooking.

Cook the Fillets: Carefully add the seasoned tilapia fillets to the hot skillet. Cook the fillets for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and easily flake apart with a fork. Once cooked through, gently remove the fillets from the skillet and transfer them to a warm plate to rest.

Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Next, pour in the lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the delicious flavors.

Finish with Butter and Herbs: Lower the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon zest, and chopped parsley into the skillet. Mix well until the butter has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

Combine and Heat: Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the zesty lemon butter sauce generously over the top. Allow them to cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes, just to warm through and absorb the flavors.

Garnish and Serve: Carefully plate the tilapia fillets. Drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over each fillet and garnish with vibrant lemon slices and extra fresh parsley for an appealing presentation. Serve alongside your choice of steamed vegetables or fluffy rice for a delightful and complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4