Citrus Herb Butter Tilapia
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Citrus Herb Butter Tilapia, a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic dish inspired by James Beard. Featuring succulent tilapia fillets kissed by a luscious lemon butter sauce, this recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The aromatic fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while the gentle sautéing brings out the fish's natural sweetness. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish not only showcases the beauty of culinary simplicity but also transforms tilapia into a restaurant-quality meal that even non-fish lovers will adore. The secret? Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, ensuring that from start to finish, this delicious dish is ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
4
Servings
115
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
12-16 ounces (Fresh, skinless fillets)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Divided)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (Extra virgin is recommended)
All-purpose flour
1/4-1/2 cup (For dusting the fish)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning the fish)
Instructions
1
Prepare all ingredients by chopping fresh parsley and juicing the lemon. Set aside.
2
In a large non-stick skillet, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture is hot and the butter is melted, but not browned.
3
While the skillet heats, lightly dust the tilapia fillets with flour, shaking off any excess. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Once the butter is bubbly, carefully add the tilapia fillets to the skillet. Sauté the fish for 3-4 minutes on the first side or until it is golden brown and easily releases from the skillet.
5
Gently flip the tilapia fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate, keeping them warm.
6
Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt before adding the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir the mixture quickly to combine.
7
Immediately drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the warm tilapia fillets, ensuring each fillet is generously coated.
8
Serve with additional lemon wedges if desired and enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
4g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
0.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus Herb Butter Tilapia?
It is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic fish dish inspired by James Beard, featuring succulent tilapia fillets in a lemon butter sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The entire dish can be prepared and ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
How many calories are in one serving of Citrus Herb Butter Tilapia?
Each serving contains approximately 115 calories.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The ingredients include tilapia fillets, lemon, fresh parsley, butter, olive oil, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this tilapia recipe?
No, it is relatively low in carbs with only 4 grams per serving.
What type of tilapia should I use?
The recipe calls for 12-16 ounces of fresh, skinless tilapia fillets.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How much butter is required for the recipe?
You will need 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided for different steps.
Why do I need to dust the fish with flour?
Lightly dusting the tilapia with flour helps create a golden brown crust when sautéing.
How long should I cook the tilapia on each side?
Sauté the fillets for 3-4 minutes on the first side and another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
How do I know when the tilapia is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What temperature should I use to heat the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until the butter and oil mixture is hot and bubbly.
How do I make the lemon butter sauce?
After removing the fish, reduce heat to low, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, and stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.
When should I season the fish?
Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper after dusting them with flour but before adding them to the skillet.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for optimal flavor and color.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is perfect for weeknights as it is simple and very quick to prepare.
What is the 'secret' to making this dish successfully?
The secret is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
What should I do with the remaining lemon?
You can serve the dish with additional lemon wedges for extra zest if desired.
How much fiber does this recipe contain?
Each serving contains approximately 0.25 grams of fiber.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
There is a very small amount of sugar, approximately 0.25 grams per serving.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended to ensure the fish releases easily.
Can I use skin-on tilapia?
The recipe recommends skinless fillets for the best texture with the lemon butter sauce.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is a fresh twist on a classic dish inspired by culinary expert James Beard.
Does this recipe work for people who aren't big fans of fish?
Yes, the mild flavor of tilapia combined with the luscious lemon butter sauce makes it a hit even for non-fish lovers.
How much flour is needed for the dusting?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 to 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
Is the butter melted before adding the oil?
The recipe instructs to combine the butter and olive oil in the skillet together over medium-high heat.
What are the search tags for this recipe?
Tags include tilapia, fish, lemon, butter, herb, quick meals, easy recipes, seafood, healthy eating, and weeknight dinner.