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–+ servings
Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Lemon Garlic Tilapia

Lemon Garlic Tilapia ready in 20 minutes. A healthy, easy weeknight dinner with fresh lemon and garlic pan sauce. Try this fast recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia fresh or thawed if using frozen
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium lemons one for juice, one for slices
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Thin, Flexible Spatula
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves, juice one lemon, and slice the other lemon into thin rounds.
  3. Season both sides of each fillet with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  5. Place the seasoned fillets in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes without touching them.
  6. Flip the fillets gently and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they flake easily.
  7. Remove the cooked fillets and tent them loosely with foil to keep warm.
  8. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic.
  9. Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant, then add the butter and let it melt.
  10. Pour in fresh lemon juice and let it simmer for a minute, stirring in most of the chopped parsley.
  11. Return the tilapia fillets to the pan and nestle them into the sauce, spooning sauce over the top.
  12. Serve on a platter, garnished with the remaining parsley and lemon slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 26gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 600mgVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

This recipe is forgiving, even for beginners, and cooks quickly for busy nights. Feel free to substitute tilapia with cod, haddock, or flounder if needed. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper. The dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables, making it versatile for various occasions.
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