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Tilapia has carved a niche for itself as one of the most beloved fish choices in kitchens across the globe. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, tilapia serves as a blank canvas, making it incredibly versatile for a myriad of culinary creations. Whether you are grilling, baking, or pan-searing, tilapia adapts beautifully to various flavor profiles, which is part of what makes it a staple in many households.

Lemon Garlic Butter Tilapia

Discover a delightful way to prepare tilapia with this zesty lemon garlic butter recipe. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, tilapia becomes a culinary star when paired with a tangy lemon and rich garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy meal is ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. Dive into tips for selecting fresh tilapia, and enjoy a nutritious, delicious dish that elevates your dining experience. Perfect for seafood lovers!

Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tilapia: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.

    Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Lower the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

      Cook the Tilapia: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of the lemon garlic butter over medium-high heat. Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

        Add the Sauce: Once all the fillets are cooked, return them to the skillet. Pour any remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the tilapia, allowing it to warm through for an additional minute.

          Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings