This Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe takes tilapia to the next level. First the fish is pan seared to golden perfection then drenched in a garlicky lemony buttery insanely good lemon butter sauce. The perfect meal to enjoy with a wide array of side dishes.
Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl mix together the half teaspoon of salt, quarter teaspoon of ground black pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
Rub the seasonings evenly on both sides of the fish.
Heat the olive oil in a 12 inch cast iron skillet or other skillet on medium heat. If you don't have a 12 inch skillet, use a smaller skillet and only add 1 tablespoon of the oil to cook 2 fillets at once.
Add the seasoned fish fillets to the skillet. Let them cook on one side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown then flip them to the other side and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the fish to a serving platter.
Add the butter to a light colored skillet (I used a stainless steel skillet) placed on medium heat. Let the butter melt then cook until it reaches a light brown color.
Turn the heat down to low. Add the grated garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
Remove the skillet from heat then add the lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of salt and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cooked fish fillets, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce and a little cayenne pepper to the seasoning for the fish.