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Crispy Lemon Pepper Tilapia Recipe with Easy Zesty Herb Butter Sauce

crispy lemon pepper tilapia - featured image
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A quick and easy crispy tilapia recipe featuring a zesty lemon pepper crust and a fresh herb butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each), fresh or thawed, skinless and boneless
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams), or gluten-free flour as a substitute
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley and chives), chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each tilapia fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Place the fillets gently in the pan without overcrowding. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy and the fish flakes easily.
  6. While the fish cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  7. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  8. Stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chives, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  9. Transfer the cooked tilapia to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the zesty herb butter sauce.
  10. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure tilapia fillets are thoroughly dried before dredging to achieve a crispy crust. Use a hot pan and avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming. Flip fish gently and only once the crust has fully formed. For the herb butter sauce, do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. The sauce is best added off heat to keep its bright flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, lemon pepper, crispy fish, herb butter sauce, quick dinner, easy fish recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-lemon-pepper-tilapia-recipe-with-easy-zesty-herb-butter-sauce/