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You need 4 tilapia fillets for this dish. Tilapia is a mild fish. It cooks quickly and is easy to handle. Look for fresh fillets with a bright color and no strong smell. If you can't find tilapia, you can use other mild fish like sole or cod. Next, gather 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Butter gives a rich flavor to the dish. You also need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and taste. Make sure to chop the garlic well so it mixes into the butter evenly. For a zesty kick, use the juice and zest of 1 large lemon. The juice brightens up the dish while the zest adds even more lemon flavor. Zest is the yellow part of the skin. Be careful not to get any of the bitter white part. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. These basic seasonings enhance the flavors in the dish. You will also need 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley for garnish. Lemon slices are great for decoration and extra flavor. First, take your tilapia fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the fish get nice and crispy. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Make sure to season well for great taste. Now, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. Watch it carefully! You want the garlic fragrant, not burnt. After the garlic is ready, gently place the tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side. You want them to turn a light golden color. Then, flip the fillets over carefully. Now it’s time to add some zing! Squeeze the juice of one large lemon over the tilapia. Don’t forget the lemon zest; sprinkle it on top too. Then, add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley or 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley. This adds fresh flavor. Cook the fish for another 3 to 4 minutes. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, turn off the heat. Let the fillets rest in the pan for a minute to soak up all those tasty flavors. Plate the tilapia and drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce on top. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley if you like! Enjoy your delicious meal. When selecting tilapia, look for fillets that are fresh and firm. They should have a mild smell, not fishy. If buying frozen, ensure they are well-packaged with no signs of freezer burn. Wild-caught tilapia often has better flavor than farmed, but both can work well in this recipe. To make the garlic butter shine, use unsalted butter. This lets you control the saltiness. As you melt the butter, keep the heat moderate. Too high will burn the garlic. Cook it just until it smells great—about one minute. This step adds depth to the dish. You can boost flavor by adding more ingredients. Try red pepper flakes for heat or capers for brine. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a bright note. For a zesty twist, add a splash of white wine before the lemon juice. Each of these ideas can take your garlic lemon butter tilapia to the next level! {{image_2}} You can swap tilapia for other fish. Good choices are cod, sole, or haddock. These fish cook well and have a mild taste. They soak up the lemon and garlic flavors nicely. Choose fish that is fresh and firm for the best results. This gives you a new take on a classic dish. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. The heat pairs well with the lemon and garlic. You can also use hot sauce for more punch. Drizzle it over the fish before serving. This twist adds a fun kick to your meal. Experiment with herbs to change the flavor. Try fresh thyme or dill instead of parsley. They bring unique tastes that brighten the dish. You can also add a bit of paprika for color and flavor. Mix and match your favorites to create a signature dish. This keeps it exciting every time you cook. To store leftover Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia, let it cool first. Then, place the fillets in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well to keep the flavor in. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. If you have extra garlic butter sauce, store that in a separate small container. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. I suggest using the skillet for best results. Heat the skillet on low and add a small amount of butter. Place the fillets in the skillet, cover it, and warm for about 3-5 minutes. This way, the fish stays moist and tasty. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out. If you want to keep the tilapia for longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the tilapia for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the taste fresh and delicious. You can tell tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should be opaque and no longer translucent. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes in total cooking time. A food thermometer can help; it should read 145°F. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thaw it first in the fridge or under cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly and prevents it from steaming. You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. Both oils add a nice flavor. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without dairy. Add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for extra taste. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of white wine during cooking adds depth. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite! To recap, we explored how to make a delicious tilapia dish using simple steps and fresh ingredients. We covered the key elements like tilapia fillets, garlic butter, and lemon. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store your meal. I also shared tips to enhance flavor and suggested variations for your taste. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Use this recipe as a base. Feel free to mix and match flavors. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia

Delight your taste buds with this Garlic Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe that's quick and easy to make! In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, flaky tilapia fillets infused with savory garlic and zesty lemon flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests! Ready to create this delicious dish? Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your seafood meals today!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 large lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

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

Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by patting the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until lightly golden.

        Flip the fillets gently and pour the lemon juice and zest over the top. Sprinkle the dried parsley (or fresh, if using) over the fish.

          Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

            Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the fillets rest in the pan for a minute to absorb the flavor.

              Plate the tilapia and drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices and additional parsley if desired.

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