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Quick One-Pan Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe with Crispy Capers

one-pan lemon butter tilapia - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring tender tilapia fillets cooked in a buttery lemon sauce with crispy capers for a flavorful and elegant weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each), fresh or thawed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56 grams), divided
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for frying capers)

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper (about 3 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and just starting to foam (1-2 minutes).
  3. Add the tilapia fillets skin-side down if they have skin, or lay them flat. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until edges turn opaque and bottom is golden brown.
  4. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until fish flakes easily but remains moist.
  5. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside on a warm plate, tented with foil.
  6. In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  7. Add the capers and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and slightly golden. Add a teaspoon of olive oil for extra crispiness if desired.
  8. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Let it bubble for about 1 minute to reduce slightly, forming a silky lemon butter sauce.
  9. Return the tilapia to the pan and spoon the sauce and crispy capers over the fillets. Warm together for 1 minute.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat fish dry before cooking for a good sear. Rinse capers to remove excess salt and fry until crispy. Use medium heat to avoid burning butter. Cook fish in batches if skillet is small. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, lemon butter, crispy capers, quick fish recipe, one-pan meal, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy fish recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/quick-one-pan-lemon-butter-tilapia-recipe-with-crispy-capers-easy-and-perfect/