Ingredients:

  • 4 tilapia fillets, approx 1 lb (450g)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them bone-dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to ensure an even cook.
  4. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
  5. Carefully place fillets in the pan, pressing down lightly with a spatula to ensure contact. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are opaque and the bottom is golden-brown.
  6. Reduce heat to medium. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan.
  7. Once the butter foams, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  8. Use a spoon to continuously pour the bubbling garlic butter over the fillets for 60 seconds.
  9. Remove from heat immediately and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.