Easy Tilapia Recipe with Garlic Butter and Rice
Garlic Butter Tilapia with Lemon Rice
Today on the Takrecipe website, we’re diving into a deliciously simple seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Garlic Butter Tilapia paired with fragrant Lemon Rice delivers a satisfying combination of savory, citrusy flavors that feel both light and hearty. This recipe is quick to prepare, packed with protein, and sure to become a family favorite thanks to its comforting aroma and zesty finish.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for rice)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- Salt to taste (for rice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, a pinch of salt, turmeric (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir once, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Step 2: Season the Tilapia
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the fish while giving it a mild kick.
Step 3: Cook the Tilapia in Garlic Butter
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the skillet. Cook each side for 3–4 minutes or until the fish turns golden and flakes easily with a fork. In the last minute of cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Spoon some of the melted garlic butter from the pan over the top of each piece to lock in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Plate the lemon rice as a bed for the fish, then gently place a fillet on top of each serving. Drizzle the extra garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the fish and rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright finish, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tip 1: Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor
🟢 Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a more intense, aromatic taste compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
Tip 2: Don’t overcook the fish
🟢 Tilapia cooks quickly — as soon as it flakes with a fork, it’s done. Overcooking will make it dry.
Tip 3: Rinse your rice thoroughly
🟢 Washing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky and helping achieve fluffy, separated grains.