Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz) tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp parsley

Instructions:

  1. Pat each tilapia fillet completely dry on both sides using paper towels.
  2. Evenly sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over both sides of the fillets.
  3. Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and begins to smoke.
  4. Place fillets in the pan, pressing down lightly with a spatula. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
  5. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to medium, slide fillets to the side, and add butter to the pan.
  7. Once butter foams, add minced garlic and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then spoon the bubbling garlic butter over the fish for 1 minute.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.