Lemon garlic tilapia fillets in a skillet with a glossy butter lemon sauce, chopped parsley, and lemon slices scattered on top.
This Lemon Garlic Tilapia is light, buttery, and full of bright lemon flavor, and it’s ready fast. You get tender tilapia fillets, a quick garlic butter sauce, and a fresh squeeze of lemon that makes everything pop. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes fresh and cozy at the same time.
If you need a simple fish recipe that never fails, lemon garlic tilapia is the one to keep on repeat.
Introduction
Lemon garlic tilapia is one of the easiest ways to make fish taste exciting without a lot of ingredients. Tilapia cooks quickly, stays mild, and soaks up the lemony butter sauce like a champ.
The standout trick is cooking the garlic briefly so it smells amazing but does not burn, then finishing with lemon at the end for the brightest flavor. That last squeeze is what makes the whole dish taste fresh, not flat.
This lemon garlic tilapia recipe is a fan-favorite because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and pairs with almost anything in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Tilapia
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready in about 20 minutes with simple steps.
- Bright and flavorful: Lemon and garlic make mild fish taste fresh and bold.
- Juicy and tender: Quick cook time keeps tilapia from drying out.
- One-pan cleanup: Everything happens in one skillet.
- High-protein meal: Satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat well for lunch bowls.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Tilapia
For the tilapia
- Tilapia fillets (1 1/2 pounds): Mild, quick-cooking fish that stays tender in sauce.
- Swap: cod or pollock fillets work the same way.
- Fine salt (1 teaspoon): Seasons the fish evenly.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a mild smoky note.
- Swap: smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup, optional): Light dredge helps the fish get a delicate golden edge.
- Tip: Skip flour if you want a lighter finish.
For the lemon garlic sauce
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear without burning butter.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Makes the sauce glossy and rich.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Big flavor in a small amount.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Bright, tangy flavor that tastes fresh.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons): Clean finish and color.
- Swap: chives work nicely too.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Tilapia
- 1. Season the fish: Pat tilapia fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. If using flour, lightly dredge each fillet and shake off extra. This gives a delicate golden edge.
- 2. Sear the fillets: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add tilapia and cook 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden and the fish flakes easily. Transfer to a plate.
- 3. Make the garlic butter base: Lower heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant. If garlic starts to brown too fast, lower the heat.
- 4. Add lemon and loosen: Stir in lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits. If the sauce looks tight, add 1–2 tablespoons water to make it silky.
- 5. Finish the fish in sauce: Return tilapia to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top for 30–60 seconds, just to warm through.
- 6. Serve with herbs and lemon: Sprinkle parsley and add lemon slices or wedges. A final squeeze of lemon right before eating makes it extra bright.
Reader Review: This lemon garlic tilapia was so easy and tasted fresh and buttery. My family asked for it again the next week.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Tilapia
- Pat the fish dry: Dry fish sears better and tastes less watery.
- Don’t overcook: Tilapia is done when it flakes easily; extra time makes it dry.
- Cook garlic briefly: Garlic turns bitter if it browns too much.
- Add lemon at the end: Lemon stays brighter and less harsh when added after cooking.
- Thin the sauce if needed: A splash of water makes it drizzle beautifully.
- Use a wide skillet: More space helps the fish cook evenly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for texture.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper to the butter sauce.
- Swap the herbs: Use dill for a lemony coastal vibe.
- Make it creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream off heat for a tangy cream sauce.
- Try a baked version: Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, then spoon warm sauce over the top.
- Bowl leftovers: Flake the fish into rice bowls with roasted veggies and extra lemon.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave tip: Use low power and short bursts so the fish stays tender.
- Make-ahead: Mix seasonings and chop garlic and parsley ahead for a faster dinner.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or buttery noodles to soak up the sauce.
- Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for an easy side.
- Add a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette for a bright plate.
- Serve with crusty bread if you want to swipe up every drop of sauce.
Lemon Garlic Tilapia Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Pan Sear
Cuisine: American
Diet: Pescatarian
Ingredients
For the fish
- 1 1/2 pounds tilapia fillets
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- 1. Pat tilapia dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge in flour if using.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook tilapia 2–3 minutes per side until it flakes easily. Remove to a plate.
- 3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and cook garlic 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4. Stir in lemon juice and scrape up browned bits. Add 1–2 tablespoons water if needed.
- 5. Return tilapia to the pan and spoon sauce over for 30–60 seconds. Sprinkle parsley and serve.
Notes
- Tilapia cooks fast, so watch closely to keep it juicy.
- Add lemon at the end for the brightest flavor.
If you make this Lemon Garlic Tilapia, leave a rating and a comment. Would you add spice, or keep it extra bright and lemony?
Print
Lemon Garlic Tilapia (Easy, Juicy, Weeknight-Friendly)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy lemon garlic tilapia is flaky, bright, and family-friendly—finished with a simple lemon-butter sauce for a fast weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds tilapia fillets
- 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season tilapia; lightly flour if desired.
- Sear in olive oil 2–3 minutes per side; remove.
- Sauté garlic in butter 30 seconds.
- Simmer broth + lemon juice + zest 1–2 minutes.
- Return fish; spoon sauce over; garnish with parsley.
Notes
- No broth: Use water and add an extra pinch of salt.
- Tools: Large skillet, microplane for zest.
- Make-ahead: Sauce can be mixed (broth + lemon + zest) and stored 1 day ahead.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American