Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce: A Light and Flavorful Meal in Just 20 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels restaurant-quality, this Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce is a perfect choice. With tender, flaky tilapia paired with a zesty lemon cream sauce, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes—making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. The bright flavors of lemon and garlic complement the delicate fish perfectly, while the rich cream sauce adds a touch of indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers an irresistible balance of flavors with minimal effort. The tilapia is pan-fried until golden and flaky, then served with a luxurious lemon cream sauce that’s both tangy and rich. The dish is simple, but the fresh ingredients and elegant sauce make it feel special. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 skinless tilapia fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Lemon Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Tilapia:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet.
- Cook the fish for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and flaky. Once done, set the tilapia aside on a plate.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer and reduce by one-third, about 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
- Add the lemon juice and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Pour the lemon cream sauce over the cooked tilapia or return the fish to the skillet, gently coating it with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Tips for the Perfect Pan Fried Tilapia:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the tilapia in batches if needed to ensure a golden, crisp exterior. Overcrowding can cause the fish to steam rather than fry.
- Whisk Continuously for a Smooth Sauce: When making the lemon cream sauce, whisking continuously helps prevent the cream from curdling and ensures a smooth, rich sauce.
- Adjust the Lemon to Taste: If you love a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for more zing.
Conclusion:
This Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The light, flaky tilapia pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy sauce, creating a meal that feels both comforting and fresh. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready to impress your family or guests. Serve it with a side of rice, pasta, or fresh greens, and you’ve got a complete, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy!
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Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Cream Sauce is a perfect blend of light, flaky fish paired with a rich, tangy sauce. The buttery garlic flavor is complemented by the brightness of lemon, making this dish not only quick but also elegant enough for a special dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Fish:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 skinless tilapia fillets
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
For the Lemon Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet for 3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic for 15 seconds.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, allowing it to reduce by one-third (about 4 minutes).
Reduce heat to medium-low, add the remaining butter, and gradually whisk in the heavy cream.
Stir in the lemon juice, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust as needed.
Pour the sauce over the tilapia or return the fish to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280