Crispy Pan Fried Tilapia with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
This Crispy Pan-Fried Tilapia with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dinner made right at home in under 20 minutes! The tilapia gets a golden, crispy crust while staying tender inside, then it’s topped with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Tilapia:
- 4 tilapia fillets fresh or thawed if frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika for color and mild flavor
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour helps get that crispy crust
- 2 –3 tbsp olive oil or neutral frying oil
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional but fancy looking)
- Pro tip: If you’ve got leftover lemon wedges save ‘em for garnish. Makes it look like you tried harder than you did.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fish
- Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Moisture = soggy skin, and nobody wants that.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 2: Fry It Up
- Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot you burn the fish before it’s cooked.
- Carefully place the fillets in the pan. Don’t crowd them. They need space to crisp up.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they’re beautifully golden and flake easily with a fork.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Tilapia: Fresh or thawed fillets work best. Pat them completely dry before dredging to get a perfectly crispy crust.
- Cooking Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed so each piece gets golden and crisp.
- Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for bright flavor and real butter for richness. Add a little parsley for color and freshness.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. A light salad or roasted asparagus also complements the buttery sauce well.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain crispness — avoid the microwave if possible.
- Fish Alternatives: You can also make this recipe with cod, catfish, or haddock using the same method and sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 350 kcal |Carbohydrates: 5 g |
Fiber: 0 g |
Sugars: 0 g |
Protein: 35 g |
Fat: 20 g |
Saturated Fat: 8 g |
Cholesterol: 110 mg |
Sodium: 480 mg |
Potassium: 520 mg |
Calcium: 40 mg |
Iron: 1.1 mg