Description
This lemon garlic butter tilapia is light, flavorful, and quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With a zesty lemon kick and a touch of herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Tilapia with Lemon Recipe
This lemon garlic butter tilapia is light, flavorful, and quick to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. With a zesty lemon kick and a touch of herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
Produce:
- Zest of 1/4 lemon
- 2 lemons (sliced, plus juice of 1 lemon)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Baking & Spices:
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Other:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven (Optional for Baking Method):
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
2. Season the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
4. Cook the Tilapia (Stovetop Method):
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting the fish with the sauce, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. (Optional) Bake the Tilapia:
- For baking, place the seasoned fillets in a greased baking dish. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the fish and top with lemon slices. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the cooked tilapia with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon slices. Pair with rice, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap tilapia for another white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
