Description
Get ready to fall in love with this quick and easy dinner idea! This Crispy Pan-Fried Tilapia with Zesty Lemon Butter Sauce is everything you could want in a meal — crisp, flaky fish paired with a silky, tangy lemon butter sauce that tastes like sunshine on a plate.
Perfect for easy dinner recipes, healthy snack ideas, or quick weeknight meals, this dish bursts with flavor and freshness while keeping the cooking simple and stress-free. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas to impress guests or easy recipes to brighten up a busy night, this one’s a guaranteed winner.
The golden crust, the bright citrus kick, and the buttery richness will make this one of your favorite new food ideas for any night of the week!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 5–6 ounces each)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Lightly dredge fillets in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place fillets into the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove fish from pan and set aside.
- Add remaining butter and garlic to the pan; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and simmer sauce for 1 minute.
- Return fish briefly to the pan to coat with sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes