Description
A quick, budget-friendly weeknight dinner featuring tender tilapia fillets seared in a rich, flavorful sauce made from garlic, butter, and pepper sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Tilapia Fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter
- 4–5 cloves Garlic, minced finely
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Pepper Sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Fresh chopped Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Place a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Melt completely until foamy and fragrant, but do not let it brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
- Pour in the pepper sauce and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let the sauce bubble gently for 30 seconds to meld flavors.
- Gently place the tilapia fillets into the skillet. Do not move them for the first 3-4 minutes to allow a golden crust to form.
- Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F).
- As the fish cooks, spoon the hot butter-pepper sauce over the top to baste.
- Remove from heat immediately once cooked and serve hot.
Notes
Ensure tilapia is patted very dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure a good sear. Cook in batches if you have more than 4 fillets to avoid overcrowding the pan. Use medium heat to prevent the butter and garlic from burning. If fillets are thick, cover the pan for the last minute of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: tilapia recipe, garlic butter fish, pepper sauce tilapia, quick dinner, budget meals, weeknight dinner, gluten-free fish, easy seafood