Easy Skillet Tilapia Recipe - How to Cook the BEST Tilapia Fish! (2024)

This Skillet Tilapia with creamy lemon sauce tastes like summertime. The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice offers a dining experience reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant. The fish, tender and flaky, makes this the finest tilapia dish I’ve ever made!

My Favorite Skillet Tilapia Recipe

Tilapia is one of my favorite fish to prepare. It pairs really well with fresh flavors like lemon and parsley, and it’s just so versatile. With this recipe, you will learn how to cook pan-seared Tilapia that is delicious and full of flavor. This simple method of cooking fish fillets is excellent for a quick weeknight meal. Serve with the creamy lemon sauce and a side of fresh veggies to make a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties to wow your guests with a gourmet taste experience.
• Quick and convenient, this fish is done in under 15 minutes – a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Easy cleanup thanks to the simplicity of using just one pan for the entire process.

What is Tilapia?

Tilapia, a mild white fish, has gained popularity in culinary circles due to its high protein content and delightful flavor. When fresh, tilapia boasts a sweet and fresh taste without any fishy or foul odors. The key to selecting the best quality is ensuring the fish is firm with somewhat translucent flesh, and it should not be sticky or slimy to the touch. Additionally, prime tilapia fillets are free from white or colored spots, indicating their freshness and quality.

Ingredients For Creamy Skillet Tilapia

For The Fish

• Olive Oil for cooking the fish.
• Butter adds richness and flavor to the fish while searing.
• Tilapia fillets
• Salt and pepper to season the tilapia.
• Fresh parsley for garnish.

For The Lemon Cream Sauce

• Butter creates a base for the sauce, adding creaminess and flavor.
• Garlic to infuse the sauce with a rich aroma and taste.
• Chicken broth (or dry white wine) to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce’s flavor.
• Heavy cream contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to balance the creamy elements.
• Salt and pepper to adjust the sauce to taste.

How to Cook Tilapia In A Skillet

1. Cook the Fish: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the fish with salt and pepper and cook it for 3 minutes per side. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic, then whisk in chicken broth and cook until reduced by ⅓. Lower the heat, and incorporate the remaining butter and cream, followed by lemon juice. Season to taste.
3. Combine and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat. Drizzle the sauce over the tilapia, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Tips for the Best Tilapia

• Use fresh lemon juice because it eliminates unwanted “fishy” or “muddy” smells.
• Don’t skip the garlic. Its strong flavor neutralizes any remaining smell.
• Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
• Make sure the skillet is well-heated before cooking the fish to get that perfect sear.
• Avoid overcooking the tilapia, or it will become chewy.

What To Serve With Fish

• Tilapia is best served with a light and fresh veggie. I recommend oven roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. If weather permits, you could also pair it with grilled zucchini, peppers, and eggplant.
• Additionally, light-flavored rice will pair nicely. Think cilantro lime rice or consider my Mediterranean rice or this jollof rice.

How to Store & Reheat Tilapia

• Tilapia is typically best served immediately. When you store it, it can become mushy or develop a strong fish smell. If you do have leftovers, store them in your refrigerator in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days. Reheat it in a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat.

More Tilapia Recipes

• One Pan Risotto with Garlic Herb Tilapia
• Mediterranean Style Baked Tilapia
• Fish Tacos
• Garlic Butter Oven Baked Tilapia

ENJOY!