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 first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how flavorful and fork-friendly it was.
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 3–4 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.
- Step 4:
- Carefully flip the fillets and scatter minced garlic around the fish. Cook another 2–3 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 quickly became a favorite for family dinners, bringing fresh flavors to our table.
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
Calories: 240 per serving, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 3 g, Protein: 27 g
Pin It This lemon-herb tilapia is sure to impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cooking method is used for the tilapia?
Tilapia fillets are pan-seared in a mixture of olive oil and butter until lightly golden and flaky.
- → Can I substitute another fish for tilapia?
Yes, cod or sole can be used as alternatives, maintaining similar texture and flavor profiles.
- → How do the capers contribute to the dish?
Capers add a salty, briny element that complements the fresh lemon and herbs, enhancing the overall brightness.
- → What herbs are featured in this dish?
Fresh parsley and optional dill provide aromatic, fresh herbal notes balancing the citrus and capers.
- → Is this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes, by substituting all butter with olive oil, this dish can be made dairy-free without compromising flavor.
- → What are some recommended side dishes?
Steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a light salad complement the light, flaky fish nicely.