Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Clean, fresh flavors from the lemon butter sauce paired with mild, tender tilapia.
Quick and effortless perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor no fuss, just satisfying.
Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tilapia Fillets
4 tilapia fillets
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
2 tablespoons oil

Lemon Butter Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
¼ cup lemon juice

Directions

Season the tilapia: Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with paprika, salt, and lemon pepper.
Heat the pan: Warm the oil in a non-stick or lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the tilapia: Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden, opaque, and easily flaked with a fork.
Prepare the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Push the fish to the side (or remove briefly). Add butter to the pan and let it melt, then pour in the lemon juice. Gently swirl to combine and simmer for 1 minute until the sauce slightly thickens.
Coat and serve: Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the tilapia fillets, then transfer to plates. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 fillets (serves 4)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

Substitute lime juice or a mix of lemon and lime for a zesty twist.
Add fresh chopped parsley, tarragon, or dill into the sauce for herbaceous brightness.
For a buttery garlic version, add 1 clove minced garlic to the butter before adding lemon juice.
Make it spicy by whisking in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tilapia and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, spooning the sauce over the fish to keep it moist avoid high heat to preserve texture.

FAQs

What’s the best way to tell when tilapia is cooked?

Tilapia is done when it turns opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen fillets?

Yes just thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for about 10–12 minutes, then pour the warmed lemon butter sauce over the top upon serving.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine works in a pinch, real butter gives a richer, fuller flavor and creamier texture.

How can I adjust the lemon flavor?

For more citrus punch, increase lemon juice to 1/3 cup or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedges at serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes there’s no gluten in the ingredients. Just ensure your lemon pepper seasoning doesn’t include any wheat-based fillers.

What’s a good side dish?

Pair with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes the lemon butter sauce can be made up to 1 day ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Can I double the sauce?

Feel free to double the butter and lemon juice for extra sauce just taste and adjust seasoning before pouring over the fish.

Any tips for less oily cooking?

Use a non-stick pan and reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon, or use a butter-spray for lighter pan-coating.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Tilapia is a stunningly simple dish that delivers bright, buttery flavor with minimal effort. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s an ideal choice for elegant weeknight meals or effortless entertaining.