Pin It 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 often prepare this tilapia for a fuss-free meal that feels special even on busy weeknights.
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 34 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.
- Step 4:
- Carefully flip the fillets and scatter minced garlic around the fish. Cook another 23 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.
Pin It This recipe always brings smiles around the dinner table as everyone enjoys the bright, fresh flavors together.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Protein 27 g
Pin It A quick and flavorful dish sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
Tilapia is recommended for its mild flavor and flaky texture, but cod or sole can be excellent substitutions.
- → How should I cook the tilapia to ensure it stays tender?
Cook the fillets over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until just golden and flaky, avoiding overcooking.
- → Can I modify the dish for a dairy-free option?
Yes, replace the butter with extra olive oil to keep it dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → What herbs complement the citrus flavors best?
Fresh parsley and dill are ideal for enhancing the lemony brightness while maintaining a delicate balance.
- → How do capers enhance the dish?
Capers provide a salty, tangy pop that complements the citrus and herbs, adding depth to the overall flavor.