10-Minute Pan-Fried Tilapia
Pan-fried tilapia is a quick and flavorful fish recipe with buttery lemon sauce and fresh herbs. It’s easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual hosting. Enjoy fresh from the skillet, flaky fish that’s a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets about 5 ounces each, skinless
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic freshly minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon cut into 1/4-inch slices
Instructions
Make the Lemon Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with cilantro, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. Set aside.1/4 cup butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons cilantro, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Prepare the Fish
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.Salt, Black pepper
Sear the Fish
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the fillets top-side down (presentation side).1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 tilapia fillets
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
Flip and Finish
- Carefully flip each fillet using a large spatula.
- Spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over each fillet. Add the lemon slices to the skillet.1 lemon
Cook Through
- Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with the cooked lemon slices and extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Don’t like cilantro? Use fresh parsley, dill, or basil.
Want more heat? Add ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the butter.
Try citrus swaps: Lime or orange juice both bring a fresh twist.
Serving for a crowd? Double the butter and cook in two pans or in batches. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Want more heat? Add ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the butter.
Try citrus swaps: Lime or orange juice both bring a fresh twist.
Serving for a crowd? Double the butter and cook in two pans or in batches. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: I recommend enjoying this dish fresh. The texture of fish changes after freezing once cooked
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 112mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
