Pin it A light, citrusy tilapia dish featuring fresh herbs and briny capers perfect for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner. The fillets are tender and flaky, easy to eat with just a fork.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want something fresh but fuss-free after a long day.
Ingredients
- Fish: 4 tilapia fillets (about 5–6 oz each), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Citrus & Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus extra lemon wedges, for serving), 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Sauce & Pan Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons capers drained and rinsed, 2 garlic cloves finely minced
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3:
- Add tilapia fillets to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until lightly golden.
- Step 4:
- Carefully flip the fillets and scatter minced garlic around the fish. Cook another 2–3 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5:
- Add capers, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet. Swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and cook for 1 more minute, gently spooning sauce over fish.
- Step 6:
- Remove from heat. Transfer fillets to plates and spoon pan sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (and dill, if using).
- Step 7:
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.
Pin it This recipe has made many family dinners more vibrant and enjoyable with minimal effort.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet, spatula, measuring spoons, citrus zester, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish (tilapia) and dairy (butter). To make dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil.
Nutritional Information
Calories 240, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 3 g, Protein 27 g per serving
Pin it 
This lemon-herb tilapia is a perfect balance of light and flavorful, ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Recipe Q&A
- → What is the best way to cook tilapia for this dish?
Cook tilapia fillets in a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until lightly golden and flaky, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- → Can I substitute other fish for tilapia?
Yes, mild white fish like cod or sole work well as alternatives and will yield similar results.
- → How do capers enhance the flavor of this dish?
Capers add a salty, briny note that complements the citrus and herbs, balancing the richness of butter and fish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Replacing the butter with all olive oil creates a dairy-free version without compromising flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this lemon-herb tilapia?
Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.