Simple Lemon-Herb Tilapia Capers (Printable View)

Flaky tilapia with lemon, fresh herbs, and briny capers in a buttery pan sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 tilapia fillets (5-6 oz each)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Citrus & Herbs

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

→ Sauce & Pan Ingredients

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
11 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
03 - Place tilapia fillets in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the undersides turn lightly golden.
04 - Carefully turn the fillets over and scatter the minced garlic around them; cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
05 - Add capers, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, then swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook for 1 more minute, spooning the sauce gently over the fillets.
06 - Remove skillet from heat, transfer fillets to plates, spoon pan sauce over the top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional dill.
07 - Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy weeknight dinner
  • Fresh and bright citrus flavors
02 -
  • Substitute cod or sole for tilapia if desired
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat
03 -
  • Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor
  • Pat fish dry to get a nice sear
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