Description
This Pan Seared Tilapia recipe offers a quick and flavorful fish dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring crispy seared tilapia fillets topped with a buttery lemon sauce infused with garlic and onion powders, this dish feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Serve immediately for a delightful meal that pairs well with rice or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
For Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
For Tilapia:
- 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 4 tilapia fillets, 4 oz each
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Optional Garnishes:
- freshly chopped parsley
- chives
- lemon slices
Instructions
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat. Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine and keep warm until ready to serve.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika evenly.
- Season Tilapia: Thoroughly pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Press the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of each fillet.
- Heat Oil in Pan: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until very hot and nearly smoking. This is essential for a crispy crust.
- Cook Tilapia in Batches: Add two fillets to the pan without crowding. Cook for 2 minutes without moving them to develop a crust. Carefully flip and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove and repeat with the remaining fillets, adding remaining oil as needed.
- Serve with Sauce: Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cooked tilapia fillets. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Patting the fillets dry helps achieve a crispy sear and prevents steaming.
- You can melt the butter in the microwave if a saucepan is not available.
- Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding fish to get a golden crust.
- Cook the fillets in batches if your pan cannot fit all at once to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- This recipe pairs well with Jasmine or Cilantro Lime Rice for a complete meal.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
