Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz / 170g) tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 medium lemon (approx. 3 tbsp / 45ml juice + 1 tsp / 2g zest)
  • 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp (4g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Pat each tilapia fillet completely dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.
  2. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Optional: Sear fillets in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
  5. Arrange the fillets in a baking dish.
  6. Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a small bowl, then pour evenly over each fillet.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  9. Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce from the pan back over the fish before serving.