Description
A quick and delicious pan-seared tilapia recipe that offers a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish, enhanced with garlic butter and lemon.
Ingredients
- 2 large tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt (skip if using salted butter)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Season the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, oregano, and thyme. Lightly dust with flour.
- Sear the tilapia: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and one tablespoon of butter; let it melt. Once the oil is shimmering, place the seasoned fillets into the skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In the final minute of cooking, add minced garlic and the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the fish.
- Finish with lemon and parsley: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tilapia and sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve with a wedge of lemon and consider pairing with sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.