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- 4 tilapia fillets - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 tablespoon olive oil For this dish, I start with fresh tilapia fillets. They are mild and flaky, making them a perfect base. I use unsalted butter for that rich flavor. Olive oil adds a nice touch and helps cook the fish evenly. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Garlic brings a warm aroma that makes the dish inviting. Heavy cream adds smoothness to the sauce. I love lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh kick. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Lemon wedges for serving Dried thyme adds depth to the flavor. Salt and pepper bring out the best in all the ingredients. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color, and lemon wedges are great for an extra zesty bite. This combination of ingredients creates a dish that feels special yet is easy to make. You’ll love how these flavors work together to create a delightful meal! To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let them melt together. This mix gives the tilapia a nice buttery flavor. Once melted, it’s time to season the tilapia fillets. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the fish. This step is key for flavor. Now, place the seasoned tilapia in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. You will know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This means it’s perfectly cooked. Once ready, take the fillets out and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Next, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. After that, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix everything. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. The lemon gives a fresh taste. Also, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and season with salt and pepper. Let this sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken a bit. Now, return the cooked tilapia to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the fish. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything up. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve it with lemon wedges on the side. This dish is bright, creamy, and sure to impress! To get moist and flaky tilapia, follow a few key steps. First, use fresh fillets for the best flavor. Pat the fish dry before cooking to help it sear nicely. Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork. If it flakes easily, it's ready! If you want to skip heavy cream, try alternatives like coconut milk or Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess without the extra fat. You can also boost flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of white wine. These small tweaks create a richer taste and keep things exciting. To round out your meal, pair the tilapia with sides like garlic bread or a light salad. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, also match well. For a complete dish, serve your tilapia with lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of flavor. Each bite will be a delightful mix of creamy and zesty goodness! {{image_2}} You can switch out tilapia for other fish like cod or salmon. These alternatives keep the dish tasty. If you prefer chicken, use thin breast fillets. Chicken cooks well in the creamy sauce, too. Just adjust cooking time. Fish and chicken absorb flavors well, making them great options. To make this dish gluten-free, simply ensure your ingredients are safe. The recipe naturally avoids gluten. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based cream. These options provide a rich texture while staying dairy-free. Always check labels for hidden gluten or dairy. You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like dill or basil. Fresh herbs bring brightness to the dish. Spices such as paprika or chili flakes can add a kick. Experiment with these flavors to find your perfect taste. The creamy lemon sauce is versatile, so have fun with it! To store leftovers safely, first let the tilapia cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass for better heat resistance. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture loss. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you keep the fish fresh and tasty. To reheat without drying out the fish, the best method is to use the stove. Place the leftover tilapia in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap steam. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts to avoid drying. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do it right, wrap the tilapia tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This stored tilapia can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking. This helps the seasoning stick better. Tilapia is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. You can also use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. You can use half-and-half or coconut milk as a substitute for heavy cream. Both add creaminess to the sauce. For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk. This will give a tangy flavor. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the tilapia and sauce in advance. Store them in airtight containers. This dish tastes good even after a day or two in the fridge. Just reheat gently when ready to eat. Leftover tilapia will last about 2-3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in appearance before eating. This blog highlighted how to cook delicious tilapia with a creamy lemon sauce. We covered key ingredients and steps, from preparing the skillet to serving your meal. Remember to check for doneness to keep the fish tender. Use these tips for cooking, enhancing flavors, and experimenting with variations. Enjoy storing and reheating your leftovers safely. With simple steps, you can make a wonderful dish that will impress!

One-Pan Creamy Lemon Butter Tilapia

Delight your taste buds with this One-Pan Creamy Lemon Butter Tilapia recipe! This dish combines buttery tilapia with a rich lemon cream sauce for a quick and delicious meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion, it's sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience with this mouthwatering seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat until melted.

    Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the fillets from the pan and set aside on a plate.

      In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

          Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to reheat the fish.

            Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4