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Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

A delicious and easy-to-prepare dish featuring crispy tilapia fillets in a savory garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Tilapia
  • 4 pieces tilapia fillets Fresh, any other mild white fish can be used
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour For coating the fish
  • 4 tablespoons butter Separated for frying and sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced) For the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice For flavoring the sauce
  • Fresh as needed parsley for garnish Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Cooking
  1. In a large non-stick skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it bubbles slightly but does not brown.
  2. Carefully place the floured tilapia fillets in the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Once the fillets are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce over the tilapia. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or an air fryer to retain crispiness.