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Easy Zesty Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe with Capers for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy pan-seared tilapia recipe featuring a bright lemon butter sauce with capers, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed, skinless and boneless
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely grated from an unwaxed lemon
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Zest 1 teaspoon of lemon peel avoiding the white pith using a microplane. Squeeze fresh lemon juice until you have 3 tablespoons. Set aside.
  3. Peel and finely mince 2 garlic cloves.
  4. Place a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let the butter melt and foam but not brown.
  5. Carefully place the fillets in the pan. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until the underside is golden and edges start to look opaque. Flip gently using a spatula.
  6. Once flipped, add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons capers around the fish. Stir gently to avoid burning the garlic.
  7. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter sauce over the fish repeatedly to baste.
  8. Check for doneness: the tilapia should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout. Cook an additional minute or two if needed, but avoid overcooking.
  9. Remove fillets carefully and spoon some of the sauce and capers over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat fish dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Use medium heat to avoid burning butter. Baste fillets generously with lemon butter sauce for best flavor. Avoid overcooking to keep fish moist and tender. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Capers can be rinsed to reduce saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, lemon butter sauce, capers, quick dinner, easy fish recipe, pan-seared fish, healthy seafood, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-zesty-lemon-butter-tilapia-recipe-with-capers-for-perfect-dinner/