Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce

Pan Seared Tilapia With Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
Right then, let's dive into the delicious world of fish, shall we? fancy a quick and easy dinner that tastes like you've slaved away in the kitchen? ever wondered what amazing tilapia recipes are out there?
let me introduce you to pan-seared tilapia with lemon herb butter sauce, a recipe that'll have you saying "ta-da" in just 20 minutes! this dish transforms humble tilapia into something truly special.
Buttery Fish Recipes: Simplicity at Its Finest
Honestly, this isn't your bog-standard fish dish. it’s a culinary hug on a plate, and trust me, it's dead easy! we're talking flaky, pan-seared tilapia swimming in a bright and zesty lemon herb butter sauce.
This recipe is so quick that you’ll be tucking in before you can even say "fish supper!"
A Quick and Easy Fish Dish That Delivers
Did you know tilapia is said to originate from the rivers of africa and the middle east? it has been a staple food for centuries! now, back to our recipe.
It's incredibly simple, so no need to feel intimidated. from prep to plate, you're looking at about 20 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
This recipe is perfect for 2 hungry souls looking for a quick bite.
Easy Fish Dishes Healthy: Guilt Free Goodness
Tilapia recipes low calorie are brilliant and this one is no exception! this recipe delivers a good dose of protein with minimal fuss.
Plus, that lemon herb butter sauce? it's not just about flavour, it adds some healthy fats too. serve this up when you want a light but satisfying meal.
This recipe is a game changer because it's so quick, tasty, and good for you.
Now, let's get cracking on the ingredients, shall we? next, i'm going to tell you all the secrets to making the best baked tilapia recipe and we will get to talk about how to make amazing parmesan crusted tilapia baked , so keep reading.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make some seriously yummy fish recipes dinners , starting with this awesome pan-seared tilapia dish.
Don't worry, it's dead easy, even if you're a bit of a newbie in the kitchen. honestly, you'll be chuffed with the results!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Delicious Tilapia Recipes
We're keeping it simple. No need for fancy gadgets here. Just the essentials to get the job done.
Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Tilapia Baked Recipes
- Tilapia Fillets: You need 2 fillets, about 6 ounces/170g each. Go for skinless if you can. Fresh is best, obviously, but frozen works fine too. Just make sure they are fully thawed. If you buy fresh, look for firm, white flesh that doesn't smell too "fishy". Nobody wants stinky fish, right?
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for searing. Any old olive oil will do, nothing too fancy needed.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon (15g) for searing and 2 tablespoons (30g) , cut into pieces, for the sauce. Unsalted is key so you can control the saltiness.
- Seasoning for the Fish: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) each of salt and pepper. 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) each of garlic powder and paprika. These bad boys are your base flavor.
- Lemon Herb Butter Sauce: This is where the magic happens! You need 2 cloves of minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon ), 2 tablespoons (30ml) of fresh lemon juice (gotta be fresh!), 2 tablespoons (30ml) of dry white wine (optional, but adds a nice touch). Then 1 tablespoon (15ml) each of chopped fresh parsley and chives. If you don't have fresh herbs, dried will do in a pinch, but fresh is always better, innit? More salt and pepper to taste.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Up Your Life (and Fish)
The combination of garlic powder and paprika on the fish gives it a lovely warmth. the lemon herb butter sauce is where you can really play.
A little squeeze of lemon brightens everything. for extra oomph, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. my nan loves adding a dash of worcestershire sauce to sauces.
Equipment Needed: What You Need in Your Corner
- A decent non-stick skillet . Key for a good sear!
- A fish spatula is ideal. Honestly, it makes life so much easier. But a normal spatula will do.
- A small bowl for prepping. That's it.
That's all you need. ready to cook some amazing tilapia recipes easy ? get your aprons on, and let's get cracking! thinking about this, you can easily modify it to some low calorie tilapia meals , just be careful with how much butter you are using in this dish.
Alright, mate, let's get this Tilapia recipe cracking!
Pan-Seared Tilapia: Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, sometimes you just need something quick, easy, and yummy, you know? and this pan-seared tilapia with lemon herb butter sauce ? oh my gosh, it's a lifesaver.
Forget standing over a hot stove for hours! this easy fish dish healthy masterpiece is ready in 20 minutes flat.
Perfect for when you're knackered after a long day.
This best baked tilapia recipe has been adapted, so you can use the oven or the pan for a quick dinner!.
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. This fancy French term just means "everything in its place."
- Grab 2 (6-ounce/170g each) tilapia fillets . Make sure they're skinless.
- Chop your garlic (2 cloves) and herbs ( 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp chives ). Get your lemon juice (2 tbsp) ready.
- Measure out your spices: salt (1/4 tsp), pepper (1/4 tsp), garlic powder (1/2 tsp), and paprika (1/2 tsp) .
- Have your olive oil (1 tbsp) and butter (2 tbsp) ready to go.
Time saving tip? chop the herbs and garlic before you even think about touching the fish. and always pat the fish dry with paper towels.
Honestly, this is key for a good sear. safety wise, no worries here - just be careful when you're near a hot stove.
Sizzle It Up: The Step-by-Step
- Season the tilapia: Pat dry, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat it up: Get your non-stick skillet screaming hot over medium high heat. Add olive oil and butter.
- Sear the fish: Carefully place tilapia in the pan. Listen for the sizzle! Sear for 3- 4 minutes per side . Aim for a golden brown crust.
- Sauce time: Remove the fish and set aside. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter (2 tbsp). Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't burn it!
- Deglaze (optional): Pour in white wine (2 tbsp) and scrape up the yummy bits from the bottom. Reduce for 1 minute. Skip if you're not using wine.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in lemon juice, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Serve it up: Spoon that gorgeous sauce over the cooked fish recipes and serve immediately.
This simple method is perfect for tilapia recipes easy and yummy fish recipes dinners
Pro Pointers for Delicious Tilapia Recipes
- Want that restaurant sear? Make sure the pan is hot, hot, hot before adding the fish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan, or you'll end up steaming the fish. Cook in batches.
- Common mistake: Overcooking! Tilapia cooks quickly. Internal temp is 145° F ( 63° C) .
- Make ahead option: You can prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save time on the day.
This buttery fish recipes is best served with steamed asparagus or a simple green salad. fancy a grilled talapia ideas easy ? why not throw it on the barbie instead!.
Enjoy this dish with your family and friends!. this fish dinner recipes is absolutely banging! for a low calorie tilapia meals or tilapia recipes low calorie version, simply reduce the amount of butter used.
Looking for a variation? try parmesan crusted tilapia . whether parmesan crusted tilapia baked or parmesan crusted tilapia pan fried , you're in for a treat!.
Easy meals with fish never tasted so good! this recipe is also suitable if you are following a keto parmesan crusted tilapia diet.
Give this crusted tilapia recipe a whirl - you won't regret it!
Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for our Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Herb Butter Sauce. Honestly, it's those little extras that can really make a dish sing!
Recipe Notes
This isn't just any fish recipe; these are the secrets to nailing it every single time!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
Okay, so you've got this amazing buttery fish recipes ready to go. how do you make it look instagram worthy? first, a little bit of green goes a long way.
Steamed asparagus is classic. i reckon a bed of quinoa or couscous, drizzled with olive oil, would also look gorgeous.
Don't forget a lemon wedge for that extra pop of colour. a fresh garden salad can complement the dish so well.
And for drinks? a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc is my go-to, but a sparkling elderflower cordial works a treat, too.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries! pop the cooked fish recipes into an airtight container and whack it in the fridge. it'll be good for about 2 days.
Freezing isn't really recommended with tilapia recipes , as it can affect the texture. but, if you must, wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to a month.
When reheating, gently pan-fry or bake it to keep it moist. honestly, fresh is best, but we've all got busy lives, haven't we?
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a bit of a twist? for a keto parmesan crusted tilapia vibe, sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the tilapia during the last minute of cooking.
Oh my gosh! if you are looking for more tilapia baked recipes then add a little bit of garlic powder or paprika.
For a dairy free version, just swap the butter for olive oil. easy peasy! and speaking of seasonal stuff, in the summer, try using fresh basil or dill instead of parsley.
Nutrition Basics: Healthy and Delicious
This isn't just a yummy fish recipes dinners kind of meal; it's good for you, too! tilapia is packed with protein and low in calories, making it a great choice if you're watching your waistline.
We're talking around 350 calories per serving. this tilapia recipes low calorie meal is a win-win!
Right then, there you have it! all you need for easy meals with fish that are also easy fish dishes healthy .
Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own. give these delicious tilapia recipes a whirl. so grab your skillet and whip up some parmesan crusted tilapia .
You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create something truly special. parmesan crusted tilapia baked or even parmesan crusted tilapia pan fried can give an amazing flavor.
This best baked tilapia recipe is super simple, trust me, you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tilapia a healthy choice, and what are its nutritional benefits?
Tilapia is generally considered a lean and healthy source of protein. It's low in fat and calories, and provides essential nutrients like niacin, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. While it's not as rich in omega-3 fatty acids as some other fish like salmon, it's still a good option for a balanced diet, especially if you're looking for something lighter than your full English breakfast!
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for these tilapia recipes, and if so, how should I thaw them?
Absolutely! Frozen tilapia fillets are a convenient option. The best way to thaw them is in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a hurry (we've all been there, haven't we?), you can thaw them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes.
Just make sure the fillets are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking; otherwise, you'll end up steaming them instead of getting that lovely sear.
How do I know when my tilapia is cooked through, and what's the ideal internal temperature?
The best way to tell if your tilapia is cooked is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can also test for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.
If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it's ready to go no one wants to be like Gordon Ramsay getting frustrated at raw fish! Remember, overcooked tilapia can be dry, so don't overdo it.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these pan-seared tilapia recipes?
Tilapia is quite versatile, so you've got plenty of options. For a light and healthy meal, steamed asparagus, a quinoa salad, or a simple green salad work beautifully. If you're after something a bit more substantial, try serving it with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or even creamy mashed potatoes (a classic pairing!).
Consider the lemon herb butter sauce, and choose sides that complement those flavours, like a simple caper and parsley pasta.
How long can I store leftover cooked tilapia, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Cooked tilapia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. It will dry out if you do so.
It's best enjoyed fresh, mind you, but leftovers are a perfectly good option for lunch the next day, maybe in a cheeky fish finger sandwich!
Can I adapt these tilapia recipes for other types of white fish?
Definitely! Tilapia is a relatively mild flavored fish, so it can easily be swapped for other white fish varieties. Cod, haddock, flounder, or even sea bass would all work well in this recipe. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Consider it like swapping actors in a play, the performance may vary ever so slightly but still hit the mark!