Description
Succulent tilapia fillets dance with zesty lemon cream sauce, creating Mediterranean-inspired magic on your plate. Crisp edges and silky sauce invite you to savor each perfectly balanced bite of this elegant seafood masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Protein:
- 4 skinless tilapia fillets
Cooking Fats:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a skillet by warming it over medium heat, creating a perfect surface for cooking the tilapia fillets.
- Add olive oil and butter to the skillet, allowing them to meld and create a flavorful foundation for the fish.
- Carefully season the tilapia with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
- Gently place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and become delicately flaky.
- Transfer the cooked tilapia to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for the upcoming sauce.
- In the same skillet, introduce a fresh pat of butter and let it melt over medium-high heat.
- Quickly sauté the minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously and allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by about one-third.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and incorporate the remaining butter into the reduction.
- Slowly stream in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring carefully to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Either drizzle the lemon cream sauce over the tilapia or return the fish to the skillet to coat it thoroughly.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish.
- Serve the tilapia immediately, ensuring the sauce remains warm and luxurious.
Notes
- Achieve golden, crispy fish by ensuring the skillet is hot and using a combination of olive oil and butter for perfect browning.
- Prevent sauce curdling by whisking continuously and adding cream gradually at a lower heat setting.
- Select fresh tilapia fillets with firm texture and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and quality.
- Timing is crucial: Cook fish 3 minutes per side to maintain moisture and avoid overcooking.
- Create a silky, tangy sauce by reducing chicken broth before incorporating cream and lemon juice.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley and serving the dish immediately for maximum taste and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg