Pan-fried Garlic Lime Tilapia {an easy 20-minute dinner}

Tilapia sometimes gets a bad rap for being bland, but that’s why I love using it in quick skillet recipes, like Pan-fried Garlic Lime Tilapia . Its mild flavor is the perfect canvas for bold ingredients, and a blend of butter, garlic, Old Bay and fresh lime juice turns it into a bright, flavorful meal in just 20 minutes.

This is one of those dinners I make when I want something light but delicious, especially on nights when I don’t want to turn on the oven or take care of a long recipe. The fish cooks quickly, developing a nice golden crust in the pan, and the lime juice brings everything to life at the end. Even picky eaters or “I don’t like fish” people tend to like tilapia because it has a mild flavor and isn’t “fishy” at all!

Some useful information to know before you get started:

• Pat the fish dry first. This helps the seasonings adhere and sears the fish better. If your fillets are frozen, make sure they are completely thawed and pat dry.
• Choose the right pan. A heavy-duty skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) provides the best golden crust. Can be used with non-stick pans too! Just heat it before adding the fish.
• Fresh lime makes a difference. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch, but fresh limes give the sauce a cleaner, brighter flavor.
• Use ghee if required. It gives you a buttery flavor, is virtually lactose-free, and holds up well to high temperatures. If not, use any neutral flavor oil with a high smoke point.

Once you have the ingredients together, this recipe comes together quickly.

1. Season the fish

Pat tilapia dry and coat both sides with Old Bay or your favorite seafood seasoning.

2. Sauté garlic until fragrant

Melt the butter (or ghee) in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Boil tilapia

Add fillets to skillet and cook until golden brown and flaky.

4. Finish with lime

Pour the lime juice over the fish and cook, spooning the sauce over the fillets.

Here’s how to make this recipe easier and more delicious:

• Don’t flip too early. Tilapia is easy to release once it forms its shell. If it sticks, wait another minute.
• Use thin tilapia fillets for best results. They cook evenly and stay tender.
• Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Adds freshness. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving.
• Change the seasoning. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or chili-lime seasoning also work well.

Here are some delicious ideas for cooking tilapia to make it feel fresh and interesting:

• Make Fish Tacos: Tilapia is the perfect protein to add to fish tacos, and this fish tacos and avocado crema recipe has the ideal flavor.
• Make the Salad: Add this fish to the top of a light summer salad along with your favorite vegetables. Finish with a drizzle of cilantro-lime yogurt sauce.
• Add Grains: This tilapia is perfect paired with some brown rice or quinoa. Add your favorite toppings and sauces!
• Tropical: Serve this pan-seared fish with black beans, sushi rice, and mango salsa for a tropical meal!

If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and reheat them without drying out the fish.

• Shop: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Tilapia reheats quickly in a frying pan or microwave, so just heat it until warm to avoid drying it out.
• freeze: Best enjoyed fresh, but cooked tilapia can be frozen for up to 2 months if desired.