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Quick Pan Fried Tilapia Butter

Featured in: Fresh Seafood Recipes from Coast to Coast

Pan-fried tilapia with lemon butter takes plain fish and makes it amazing. It all starts by drying and seasoning the fillets thoroughly. A quick olive oil sear gives them a nice crust while keeping the fish flaky and juicy. Then, in the very same pan, the butter sauce comes alive with garlic, lemon, and richness. In just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a meal that’s great for nights when you’re short on time but still want something that feels special. This combo of tender fish and creamy, zesty sauce tastes fantastic and is incredibly easy to make.
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Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 18:21:55 GMT
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Golden Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia | yummygusto.com

Transform ordinary tilapia fillets into an elegant dinner with this golden pan-fried preparation and silky lemon butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe proves that excellent seafood doesn't require complicated techniques - just fresh ingredients and proper cooking methods.

The combination of crispy seared fish and velvety sauce creates an irresistible contrast of textures that makes this dish a consistent family favorite.

Key Ingredients

  • Tilapia fillets: Select specimens with clear, firm flesh
  • Unsalted butter: European-style preferred for sauce making
  • Fresh lemon: Choose ripe, heavy citrus
  • Extra virgin olive oil: For achieving the perfect sear
  • Sea salt: Fine crystals for even seasoning
  • Fresh garlic cloves: For aromatic depth

Cooking Method

Initial Prep:
Thoroughly dry fillets and season both sides. Heat pan until properly hot.
Searing Technique:
Add oil to hot pan. Place fish carefully, allowing edges to turn golden.
Sauce Preparation:
Set fish aside. Lower heat, brown butter, finish with fresh lemon.

The quality of butter significantly impacts the final sauce. Premium European-style butter creates an exceptionally smooth, rich result.

Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia Pin it
Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia | yummygusto.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts provide excellent vegetable pairings. A light arugula salad offers a peppery contrast.

Variations

Add capers and herbs for Mediterranean flavors. Include chili flakes for heat. Substitute ghee or coconut oil for dairy-free alternatives.

Storage Guidelines

Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers. Best consumed within 48 hours. Reheat gently in covered pan with a touch of moisture.

Close-up Pan Fried Tilapia Recipe Pin it
Close-up Pan Fried Tilapia Recipe | yummygusto.com

The success of this dish lies in its simplicity. Proper technique brings out the natural flavors of the fish, elevated by the complementary lemon-butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When is tilapia done cooking?
It’s done when the fish easily flakes with a fork, turns fully opaque white, and hits an internal temp of about 135-140°F.
→ Can I use tilapia straight from the freezer?
Sure, but you’ll need to thaw it fully and pat it dry really well to make sure it cooks up crispy.
→ What are the best sides for this dish?
This tilapia goes great with roasted veggies, salad, steamed broccoli, or even rice.
→ Why bother drying the fish?
If you don’t dry it, extra moisture will stop the fish from searing properly, leaving it soggy instead of golden-brown.
→ Is the sauce something I can prep ahead?
It’s tastiest fresh, but you can make it in advance. Just warm it up gently later to avoid the butter breaking.

Quick Pan Fried Tilapia Butter

Master the art of cooking pan-fried tilapia with lemon butter sauce. It’s a fast, tasty dinner you can make in under 20 minutes with a handful of pantry basics.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Ocean Flavors

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Tilapia

01 1 and a half pounds of tilapia fillets, fresh (around 4 pieces, each about 6 oz)
02 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt
03 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
04 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
05 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for a punch of flavor

→ For the Lemon Butter Sauce

06 1/2 cup of salted butter, melted
07 1/2 teaspoon of garlicky goodness (garlic powder)
08 The freshly squeezed juice of one lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Step 01

First, grab some paper towels and blot your tilapia fillets until dry – this helps you get that nice browning when they cook. Add a good sprinkle of garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt on both sides of the fish. Put them aside and get your pan started.

Step 02

Take a large skillet, set it on medium-high heat, and add the olive oil. Let the oil heat up for about 2 minutes so it’s ready for the fish.

Step 03

Gently place the fish fillets into the hot pan, making sure they don’t overlap (cook in batches if you need to). Leave the fillets for 3-4 minutes without moving them, until the edges look opaque. Flip them softly and cook for another 2-4 minutes until fully done. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135-140°F. If the fish is cooking too quickly, just lower the heat a little.

Step 04

Move the cooked fillets to a warm dish, then cover them with foil so they stay hot and juicy while you wrap up the dish.

Step 05

Dial the heat down to medium-low and, in the same pan, whip up your lemon butter sauce. This way, you can soak up all the flavor left behind from cooking the fish.

Step 06

Spoon some of the zesty lemon butter sauce onto each plate, place a golden fillet of tilapia on it, then drizzle more of that amazing sauce right over the top.

Notes

  1. This dish comes from Maya Krampf at Wholesome Yum. It’s a quick and flavorful pan-seared tilapia served with a lemony butter sauce that’s simply mouthwatering.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big frying pan or skillet
  • Absorbent paper towels
  • A thermometer to check the fish
  • Some aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tilapia (fish)
  • Butter (dairy)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~