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    Home » Entrees » Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

    Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

    Published: Dec 31, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Wendie · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Tilapia is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love. The lemon butter sauce drizzled over the top of the flaky fish is absolutely amazing!

    A plate of food with rice, tilapia and vegetables


    We are huge tilapia lovers in our house, it's always my go-to fish. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it's easy to cook and doesn't have a strong fishy flavor. This recipe is pan-seared so it comes together super fast and perfect for those busy weeknights.

    Pan seared tilapia on a bed of white rice with roasted asparagus on the side.What is tilapia?

    Tilapia is a flaky white fish with a mild flavor. It is pretty budget-friendly and easy to prepare. It's an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When cooked properly tilapia is mild tasting, flaky, and light its delicious in my Tilapia Fish Tacos Recipe!

    Can I use another white fish?
    This method works well with cod, halibut, and even sole.

    Four process photos. First one, fresh tilapia on parchment paper. Second one, olive oil and butter in a cast iron skillet. Third one, tilapia places in the skillet. Fourth one, tilapia that has been flipped. Tips for making tilapia with lemon butter sauce!

    • Always use thawed tilapia. If it's frozen thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
    • Dry the tilapia with a paper towel to get a good sear on the fish.
    • Handle it carefully, it's a delicate fish that will break easily.
    • Only flip once if you keep flipping the tilapia it will break apart.
    • Do not overcook the filets or else they will become chewy.
    Four process photos. First one, butter and garlic melted in the skillet. Second one, white wine added in the skillet. Third one, heavy cream added in to the skillet. Fourth one, a spoon stirring the sauce. ,

    The lemon butter sauce is so delicious, if you want to leave out the wine just add in some chicken broth or water.

    Tilapia in a skillet with fresh lemon slices and lemon sauce being poured on top with a spoon.

    This tilapia recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is the perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.

    Pan seared tilapia over rice with lemon sauce and a lemon slice on top. A few bites eaten and a fork sitting on the plate. What to serve with tilapia?

    • Cilantro Lime Rice
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus
    • Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
    • Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
    • Lemon Orzo with Roasted Asparagus
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    A bite of white rice and tilapia on a fork.

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    A plate of food with rice, tilapia and vegetables

    Pan-seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce

    Wendie
    Tilapia is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love. The lemon butter sauce drizzled over the top of the flaky fish is absolutely amazing!
    4.15 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Entrees
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 343 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 3-4 ounce tilapia filets
    • Salt and pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

    Lemon butter Sauce

    • 4 tablespoons butter
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/2 cup dry white wine
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
    • 1/4 cup heavy cream
    • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Sprinkle fish with salt and pepper and set aside
    • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add tilapia filets, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, carefully turn and cook another 4-5 minutes. Or until opaque through and flaky with a fork. Carefully remove the fish from a plate and set it aside.
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the 4 tablespoons of butter and garlic to the skillet.
    • Once the butter is melted add in the white wine and let simmer for 4-5 minutes.
    • Add in the heavy cream, thyme, and lemon juice, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes just until it starts to thicken a bit.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Serve tilapia with lemon butter sauce over white rice or pasta!

    Video

    Notes

    Any white fish will work like sole, cod, or halibut.
    You can substitute the white wine for chicken broth or water.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 381mgSugar: 1g
    Keyword fish, seafood, tilapia
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
     
    3.5.3208


    « Air Fryer Lemon Butter Salmon
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    Comments

    1. Wendie

      March 09, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      I'm so glad you love it, its one of my favorites! The sauce isn't supposed to be super thick. But I would just try and simmer it a little longer. Hope this helps Diane 🙂

    2. Diane Maytas

      March 09, 2019 at 1:45 am

      Love this recipe but my sauce never thickens. Any idea?

    3. Wendie

      March 30, 2018 at 3:00 am

      Oh I am so glad you loved it Jessie. It's my favorite too, we just had it a couple nights ago. Thank you for coming back here to let me know. 🙂

    4. Jessie

      March 30, 2018 at 2:23 am

      SO GOOD!!! Probably my favorite Tilapia recipe!!

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