How to Make Lemon Butter Tilapia Fish Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Tilapia Fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/2 tsp Paprika (sweet paprika)
• 1 stick Unsalted Butter (melted, about 113 g)
• 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp Lemon Zest (zested from a fresh lemon)
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (juice of half a lemon)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for the pan, extra‑virgin preferred)
• 4 slices Lemon Slices (for garnish and extra flavor)
• 2 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced, for garnish)
• 2 cups Cooked Rice (optional serving base)

Instructions

1. Season the Tilapia

   Pat the tilapia fillets dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Flip to season the other side as well.

   Time: PT2M

2. Prepare the Butter‑Lemon Marinade

   In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.

   Time: PT3M

3. Marinate the Fish

   Place the seasoned fillets on a baking tray, pour the butter‑lemon mixture over them, and let sit for about 15 minutes.

   Time: PT15M

4. Heat the Pan

   Set the skillet or griddle over low‑medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, about 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium heat

5. Cook the Tilapia – First Side

   Place the fillets in the hot pan, add a few lemon slices on top, and cook for 3‑4 minutes without moving them.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium heat

6. Flip and Cook the Other Side

   Using tongs, carefully flip each fillet and cook another 3‑4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium heat

7. Plate and Garnish

   Transfer the cooked tilapia to a serving plate (or over a bed of cooked rice). Sprinkle sliced green onion over the top and add any remaining lemon slices.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

5 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

0 g