This single serving of pan-fried tilapia with lemon butter sauce is quick, easy, and delicious. I was never a big fish fan growing up, but I’ve grown to like it as I have gotten older. If you’re a bit wary of fish, tilapia is a good “starter fish.” It has a mild flavor and doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds (or your kitchen).
I got the idea from someone who said she made tilapia with butter, lemon, and rosemary. I thought that sounded good, but that it would be even better with some olive oil and mustard powder (it was).
You can put the whole thing together and have dinner on the table in less than fifteen minutes. Make the fish, steam (or zap) some veggies and you’re good to go.
I made this recently (just as spring is finally showing signs of arriving, after a truly nasty winter), but it would be great in the summer when you want something fast. There’s no need to heat the stove or the oven for an hour.
By the way, the fish came from Trader Joe’s. They have great frozen fish. The tilapia was in a package with individually-wrapped fillets. Normally, I don’t like extra packaging, but in this case it was perfect, since I only had to defrost one fillet, instead of the entire bag.
Pan Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce
A quick fish dinner for one with lemon, a bit of mustard, and rosemary.
Ingredients
- 1 T olive oil
- 1 tsp butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pinch dried rosemary
- 1 pinch mustard powder
- 1 tilapia filet
- healthy squeeze lemon juice (preferably fresh)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and the butter in a small frying pan. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the tilapia with the mustard and rosemary on both sides. Add it to the pan. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish. Cook until done, about 3-4 minutes per side (depending on how thick the fish fillet is). It should be lightly colored, but no longer pink.
- Serve immediately, before the fish gets cold. I steamed some Trader Joe's string frozen beans and cut up some fresh carrots to serve with it. I felt so healthy and virtuous.
Pan-Fried Tilapia with Lemon Butter Sauce Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have tilapia, use another mild, white fish such as cod, flounder, or Dover sole
- Swap the rosemary for some capers
- Skip the mustard and the rosemary and use dill instead
More Easy Fish Recipes
Indian Fish Fillet in Yogurt Sauce
Fish in a rich, tangy sauce that seems more decadent than it actually is. There’s a bit of warm spiciness from cumin and garam masala, but it’s not “hot” spicy.
Greek Fish with Lemon and Tomatoes
Make a quick marinade, let it sit, and pan-fry the fish. Dinner is done.
Sephardic Fish in Peppery Tomato Sauce
In America, we tend to think of “Jewish” food as brisket, potato pancakes, and bagels. But there’s a whole world of spicier and more varied foods from India, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean. This is one of them.
A variation on the classic cioppino, popular in San Francisco, this stew is easy and accessible. You can even start it in advance (up to the point where you add the fish).
I love the idea of using mustard powder to flavour the fish! I’ll have to try it next time I could white fish. thanks for the idea!
You’re welcome!
Just fixed this and it is so good!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!