Save to Pinterest A light, citrusy tilapia dish featuring fresh herbs and briny capers—perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner. The fillets are tender and flaky, easy to eat with just a fork.
I enjoy serving this tilapia dish because it's both elegant and incredibly simple, making it a go-to for busy evenings with family.
Ingredients
- Fish: 4 tilapia fillets (about 5–6 oz each), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Citrus & Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges for serving), 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Sauce & Pan Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons capers drained and rinsed, 2 garlic cloves finely minced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3:
- Add tilapia fillets to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.
- Step 4:
- Carefully flip the fillets and scatter minced garlic around the fish. Cook another 2–3 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5:
- Add capers, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cook for 1 more minute, gently spooning sauce over fish.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat. Transfer fillets to plates and spoon pan sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (and dill, if using).
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this fresh tilapia dish, often asking for seconds because of its vibrant flavor.
Notes
Substitute cod or sole for tilapia if desired. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat. Pairs beautifully with steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a light salad. For dairy-free, use all olive oil in place of butter.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons, citrus zester, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish (tilapia) and dairy (butter). To make dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil. Double-check capers for cross-contamination if highly sensitive.
Save to Pinterest This tilapia recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance that will impress any dinner guest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to cook tilapia for flaky texture?
Cooking tilapia in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter ensures a tender, flaky texture. Avoid overcooking by flipping after 3-4 minutes and cooking until just opaque.
- → Can I substitute other fish for tilapia in this dish?
Yes, cod or sole can be used as alternatives, offering a similar mild flavor and flaky consistency.
- → How do capers enhance the flavor?
Capers add a salty, briny note that complements the citrus and herbs, balancing the dish’s brightness.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with additional olive oil to maintain richness while keeping it dairy-free.
- → What side dishes pair well with this tilapia preparation?
Steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a light salad are great accompaniments to balance the bright flavors.