This delicious and juicy pan fried Tilapia with creamy lemon sauce tastes like summertime. The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice offers a dining experience reminiscent of a gourmet restaurant. The tender and flaky fish makes this the finest tilapia dish I’ve ever made!

If you are a fan of seafood, don’t miss out on this fabulous fritto misto, these baked lobster tails, and my easy maki roll!

tilapia in lemon cream sauce pictured in a skillet

Tilapia is one of my favorite fish to prepare because of its versatility and how well it pairs with fresh flavors like lemon, garlic, and parsley. This recipe will show you how to pan-sear tilapia easily and quickly, infusing it with a creamy, rich flavor. It’s truly the best way to cook tilapia fillets.

This simple method is also perfect for a quick weeknight meal because it’s done in about 20 minutes. Serve it with the creamy lemon sauce and fresh veggies for a completely satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties to wow your guests with a gourmet taste experience.
Quick and convenient, this tilapia recipe is done in under 15 minutes – a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Easy cleanup thanks to the simplicity of using just one pan for the entire process.

What is Tilapia?

Tilapia, a mild white fish, has gained popularity in culinary circles due to its high protein content and delightful flavor. When fresh, tilapia boasts a sweet and fresh taste without any fishy or foul odors. The key to selecting the best quality is ensuring the fish is firm with somewhat translucent flesh, and it should not be sticky or slimy to the touch. Additionally, prime tilapia fillets are free from white or colored spots, indicating their freshness and quality.

What You’ll Need

Get ready to cook up some delicious tilapia in your frying pan! Below, you’ll find all the ingredients needed to bring this flavorful dish to the dinner table.

For The Fish

Olive Oil – Used for cooking the fish. Canola or avocado oil can be used instead.
Butter – It adds richness and flavor to the fish while searing.
Tilapia fillets – I use four thawed filets. If tilapia is not available, any mild white fish like cod or haddock will work similarly.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning to flavor the fish.
Fresh parsley – for garnish.

For The Lemon Cream Sauce

Butter – Used to create the base for the sauce and add creaminess and flavor.
Garlic – Perfect ingredient to infuse the sauce with a rich aroma and taste.
Chicken broth (or dry white wine) – Helps to deglaze the pan and add depth to the sauce’s flavor.
Heavy cream – Contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
Fresh lemon juice – Adds brightness and acidity to balance the creamy elements.
Salt and black pepper – To adjust the sauce to taste.

How to Make Pan Fried Tilapia

To master the art of pan frying tilapia fillets, follow these simple steps to ensure it turns out perfectly golden and flaky!

Cook the Fish: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season the fish with salt and pepper and cook it for 3 minutes per side. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic, then whisk in chicken broth and cook until reduced by ⅓. Lower the heat, and incorporate the remaining butter and cream, followed by lemon juice. Season to taste.
Combine and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat. Drizzle the sauce over the tilapia, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Recipe Tips

Dry the fish. Before you start, if the fillets are wet, give them a quick pat down to dry them off.
Heat up the skillet. It’s important to let your skillet heat up properly with the butter and olive oil; otherwise, if the pan isn’t hot enough, your tilapia might just soak up oil and turn soggy instead of crisping up.
Add more oil. If you’re cooking multiple batches, you might need to add a bit more butter and oil to the pan.
Don’t overcook. Remember, tilapia cooks pretty fast, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish tough and chewy. The fillets are done when they easily flake with a fork.
Rest. Let the cooked tilapia rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps the fillets stay juicy.
Flavors. Use fresh lemon juice and don’t skip the garlic. And if you’re in the mood for a little extra spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or pepper flakes before frying them.

Serving Suggestions

To complete this fried tilapia dinner, pair it with a crisp salad, fresh roasted veggies, and fluffy rice.

To perfectly complement the tilapia, add a refreshing kani salad or a hearty roasted vegetable salad.
Fish is best served with a light and fresh veggie, like oven roasted asparagus, this seriously tasty steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans. If weather permits, you could also add some grilled zucchini or grilled eggplant.
Additionally, light-flavored rice will pair nicely. Think cilantro lime rice, lemon rice, or consider my Mediterranean rice or this jollof rice.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Tilapia is typically best served immediately. When you store it, it can become mushy or develop a strong fish smell. If you do have leftovers, store them in your refrigerator in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days. Reheat it in a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat.

Pan Fried Tilapia