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Cooking fish at home can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a recipe as enticing as Zesty Lemon Butter Tilapia. This dish not only boasts a beautiful presentation but offers an explosion of flavors that will awaken your taste buds. Tilapia, a popular choice among seafood lovers, is celebrated for its mild taste and delicate texture, making it an ideal canvas for a variety of seasonings. The combination of zesty lemon and rich butter elevates this simple fish dish into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Lemon Butter Tilapia

Discover the irresistible Zesty Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe that will elevate your home cooking! This dish features tender tilapia fillets coated in a bright, buttery lemon sauce, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, it combines ease and flavor in a healthy meal. Whether served with rice or steamed veggies, this delightful recipe is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the refreshing taste and learn how to make this culinary masterpiece!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Zest from 1 lemon

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional: additional parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Tilapia: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.

    Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has completely melted and begins to bubble, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it brown as this can add bitterness.

      Add Lemon Flavor: Immediately stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest, then add the dried or chopped fresh parsley. Mix all the ingredients well, allowing the vibrant flavors to meld together. Remove the saucepan from heat once combined.

        Cook the Tilapia: In a large non-stick skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Gently place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet. Allow them to cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until they turn a golden brown and are cooked through.

          Add Sauce to Pan: Carefully flip the fillets over to cook the other side. Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the fish. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, using a spoon to baste the fillets with the sauce continuously, which helps keep them moist and flavorful.

            Serve: Once the tilapia is flaky and cooked through, carefully remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce generously over the fillets. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side, and if desired, sprinkle additional parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings