Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter and Green Beans
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (about 6 oz each)tilapia fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 poundgreen beans
- 2lemon
- 4 tablespoonunsalted butter
- 3 clovesgarlic
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
Method
- 01
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season tilapia fillets on both sides with salt and pepper.
- 02
Once oil shimmers, carefully place tilapia in the pan skin-side up (if skin-on). Sear for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same skillet, add green beans, 1 tablespoon butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- 04
Push green beans to the side. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the center of the pan. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 05
Return tilapia to the skillet, nestling it among the green beans. Squeeze juice from both lemons over everything and stir gently to combine. Cook for 1 minute to warm through. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For brightness, finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika. A shake of fresh dill or parsley over the finished dish adds herbal lift. If you like heat, add a small pinch of cayenne to the lemon butter at the end.
Tilapia cooks fast—watch the fillets carefully so they don't dry out. If your skillet is crowded, sear the fish on two batches.