Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia – This light and tender fish with the zesty tang of lemon, the richness of butter, and the aromatic punch of garlic, is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Tilapia is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to various flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Tilapia Fillets: Fresh or frozen and thawed, with no bones.
- Butter: Unsalted butter for a creamy base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic for bold flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a tangy, zesty kick.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and optional paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it stays tender and moist.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes.
- Use Non-Stick Pans: This prevents sticking and ensures an even golden crust.
Variations to Try
- Cajun-Style: Swap out the seasonings for Cajun spice mix for a Southern twist.
- Herbaceous Flair: Add thyme or dill along with the parsley for more herbal depth.
- Parmesan-Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the fillets before serving for a cheesy upgrade.
- Gluten-Free: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia
Pair this dish with:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
- Starches: Fluffy rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Salads: A light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerating: Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked fillets in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat to retain its moisture and flavor, or microwave in short intervals.
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Tilapia?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
What’s the Best Butter Substitute?
For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or plant-based butter.
How Do I Know When Tilapia Is Done?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Can I Bake the Tilapia Instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the seasoned tilapia on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
What Are Some Other Fish Options?
This recipe works great with cod, halibut, or flounder if tilapia isn’t available.
Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia
Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia - This light and tender fish with the zesty tang of lemon, the richness of butter, and the aromatic punch of garlic, is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-oz) Tilapia fillets (1.5 lb total)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 medium Lemon (zest, juice, and slices)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare the Lemon: Zest and juice half the lemon (about 1 tbsp juice, 1/2 tbsp zest). Slice the other half into thin rounds.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in a small bowl (microwave or stovetop). Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, and crushed garlic.
- Season the Tilapia: Brush the lemon butter over the fillets and season with sea salt and black pepper. Flip and repeat on the other side. Top with lemon slices.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 111Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 31mgSodium 584mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 1g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on flavor and nutrition. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.
