Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this dish, and I promise it won’t take long. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
If tilapia isn’t available, feel free to substitute with another white fish like cod or halibut. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap the parsley for fresh dill or basil to give the dish a different herbal note.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to bring this dish to life:
- Start by patting the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tilapia fillets. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden and cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to meld flavors.
- Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Allow the fish to warm through for another 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International