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To make Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia, you will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving You can change this dish to fit your taste. Try adding: - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Capers for a tangy kick - A splash of white wine for depth Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Choose bright, firm tilapia fillets with no strong fishy smell. - Use unsalted butter for better control over salt. - Fresh garlic is best; it has a stronger flavor than jarred. - Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter taste than bottled. - Quality dried herbs can enhance flavor, but check for freshness. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make cooking easier. You need four tilapia fillets, unsalted butter, garlic, lemon juice, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the fish. Next, heat your large skillet over medium heat. Melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter in it. Let the butter melt and bubble. Be careful not to let it burn. After that, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell good, but don’t let it turn brown. Now, place the tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side. You want them to turn golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets over. Pour one tablespoon of lemon juice over the fish. Then, sprinkle one teaspoon of dried parsley on top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. The fish should flake easily when done. Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the skillet. Transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the fish. This adds extra flavor. Serve the tilapia with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Enjoy your Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia! To make the best garlic butter sauce, start with fresh garlic. Mince it finely for the best flavor. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Melt the butter over medium heat. Watch closely so it does not burn. Add the garlic when the butter is bubbling. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. The key is to smell the garlic, not see it brown. This will give your tilapia a rich, savory flavor. When cooking tilapia, make sure it is dry. Pat the fillets with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps them get that nice golden crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook on one side for 2-3 minutes. Flip gently to avoid breaking the fish. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Pour lemon juice over the fish for added brightness. One common mistake is burning the garlic. Always keep an eye on it while cooking. Another mistake is not preheating the skillet. A hot skillet helps the fish cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan with fillets. This can cause steaming instead of searing. Lastly, do not skip the lemon wedges. They add a perfect zing to each bite. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia in many fun ways. Fresh herbs give a bright twist. Try basil or thyme for a new flavor. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you love a zesty kick, experiment with lemon zest. Mix it into the butter for a fresh burst. Using different spices can also change the dish. Paprika or cumin adds depth and warmth. Don't hesitate to explore what you have on hand! If you want to switch things up, try cooking your tilapia in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned tilapia on a baking sheet. Pour the garlic butter over the fish and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The fish will be flaky and tender. Grilling is another fantastic method. Preheat your grill and brush it with oil. Cook each fillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives the fish a nice smoky flavor. Pair your tilapia with simple sides to make a complete meal. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, bring color and nutrition. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes adds crunch. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the garlic butter delightfully. For a light and refreshing option, try a cucumber salad. Its coolness balances the warm fish perfectly. Don't forget some lemon wedges for an extra zing! Store any leftover Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat, place the tilapia in a skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of butter to keep it moist. Cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. If you want to freeze the tilapia, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the same method mentioned above. Cook tilapia for about 4 to 6 minutes. Each side needs 2 to 3 minutes. You want the fish to turn golden brown. This quick cook time keeps it tender and flakey. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Just thaw it first. Place the fillets in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a faster thaw. Garlic butter tilapia pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with rice or quinoa. Steamed veggies or a fresh salad work nicely too. Lemon wedges add a bright touch. Yes, tilapia is a healthy fish option. It is low in calories and high in protein. It also has omega-3 fats, which are good for your heart. Check if the tilapia flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and white when fully cooked. If it still looks transparent, it needs a bit more time. This article covered garlic butter tilapia, from ingredients to serving tips. We explored key ingredients, including variations and storage methods. Proper cooking techniques help avoid common mistakes. You can customize your dish with herbs and spices, or try grilling. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Store leftovers correctly and enjoy them later. Overall, this dish is simple, tasty, and versatile. You now have the tools to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia

Whip up a quick and delicious dinner with this Minute Garlic Butter Tilapia recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy perfectly cooked tilapia fillets drenched in rich garlic butter, complemented by a hint of lemon. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime amazing tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Prep the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

      Add Garlic: Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

        Cook the Tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully.

          Add Flavor: Pour the lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle the dried parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

            Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the tilapia to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the fish.

              Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra kick of freshness.

                Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4