Pan-Seared Tilapia is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With its mild flavor, tilapia pairs wonderfully with a mix of fresh herbs, lemon, and simple seasonings. Serve it with your favorite sides like steamed veggies, rice, or a simple salad for a delicious dinner.
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs) 🐟
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- 2 tablespoons olive oil 🛢️
- 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
- Lemon wedges (for serving) 🍋
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tilapia:
- Season the fish:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Tilapia:
- Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tilapia fillets.
- Cook the tilapia:
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Melt the butter:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add lemon juice:
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir the sauce for about 30 seconds to combine.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Drizzle the sauce:
- Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the fish to coat.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the tilapia with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve:
- Serve the Pan-Seared Tilapia immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 5 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
This Pan-Seared Tilapia is a simple yet elegant dish that is full of flavor. The light lemon garlic butter sauce enhances the mild taste of the fish, making it a delightful choice for any dinner. 🍋🐟🌿