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My crispy tilapia with lemony butter sauce is my go-to trick for turning an ordinary dinner into something special. I love how the tender fish works with my creamy sauce - they're a perfect match that wows everyone at my table.
A dish that wins hearts every time
This dish has become my signature for many reasons. I can whip it up in under 30 minutes, which works great when I'm home late. The lemony butter sauce adds just the right kick, and it fits both family dinners and guest meals perfectly. It's also light but protein-packed - exactly what I'm looking for.
What you'll need
- Tilapia fillets: 4 nice pieces, about 170g each
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon split between fish and sauce
- Coarse sea salt: One teaspoon
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons for cooking
- Salted butter: 125g for my smooth sauce
- Lemon: Fresh juice and some zest if you want
Step-by-step cooking guide
- Getting the fish ready: Pat my fillets dry and season both sides with my spice blend.
- Cooking the tilapia: In a hot pan with oil, I brown each side for 3-4 minutes until it flakes easily.
- Making the sauce: I turn down the heat, melt the butter, add lemon juice and garlic powder, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Plating up: I pour some sauce on the plate, place the fish on top, and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Insider tips
I never crowd my pan so each fillet browns perfectly. I always use freshly squeezed lemons as it makes all the difference. I often add zest to my sauce for extra zing. Sometimes I coat my fillets in a bit of flour for an even crispier crust.
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Tasty pairings
I serve my tilapia with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad. For drinks, I go with a dry white wine like Sauvignon or homemade iced tea. And I never forget good bread to soak up all that yummy lemon butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Comment vérifier si le poisson est bien cuit ?
La cuisson est parfaite quand le poisson s'effeuille facilement avec une fourchette et que sa chair n'est plus translucide. Ne dépassez pas le temps de cuisson pour éviter qu'il devienne sec.
- → Peut-on remplacer le tilapia par un autre poisson ?
Absolument, des poissons blancs comme le cabillaud, la sole ou le merlan sont d'excellentes alternatives. Ajustez juste le temps de cuisson selon leur taille.
- → Comment empêcher le poisson de coller à la poêle ?
Faites bien chauffer la poêle avant d'ajouter le poisson, et ne le manipulez pas trop vite. Si le poisson est prêt, il se détachera tout seul.
- → Que faire si la sauce se divise ?
Pour éviter ce souci, gardez le feu sur moyen-doux et mélangez régulièrement. Si la sauce se sépare, sortez-la du feu et fouettez-la fort.
- → Quelles idées d'accompagnement ?
Du riz nature, des légumes vapeur ou une salade verte seront parfaits avec ce plat. La sauce s'accorde aussi super bien avec ceux-ci.