If you’re looking for a dish that’s effortlessly elegant, bursting with bright flavors, and perfect for any night of the week, this Tilapia Scampi Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender tilapia fillets cooked to flaky perfection swim in a garlicky, buttery sauce that’s been brightened up with lemon juice and a splash of white wine or broth, making every bite irresistible. Whether you want a quick weeknight supper or a dish to impress guests without stress, this recipe delivers big on flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Tilapia Scampi Recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of richness, zest, and freshness. From the buttery base to the fresh parsley garnish, the combination keeps the dish light yet deeply satisfying.
- 4 tilapia fillets: Mild, flaky, and quick-cooking fish perfect for soaking up the scampi flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth touch and helps crisp the fillets during searing.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a silky, rich sauce that carries the garlic and lemon like a dream.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The star flavor that adds warmth and that instantly recognizable scampi aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick and a pop of color if you like a little heat.
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Provides acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and build a flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrusy notes, balancing the richness of butter.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the fish and sauce perfectly.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Extra citrus for those who love an extra zing when biting into the fish.
How to Make Tilapia Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Tilapia
Start by patting your tilapia fillets dry to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place the fillets in the pan and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust and fish that flakes easily with a fork. Once done, remove the tilapia from the skillet and set it aside—don’t worry, we’re going to bring all these flavors back together soon.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter gently over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if you’re using them, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant and translucent—about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key to infusing the buttery base with that signature scampi aroma that’s both savory and comforting.
Step 3: Add Wine and Lemon Juice
Next, pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, followed by the fresh lemon juice. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and melding the bright acidity with the buttery, garlicky goodness. This simmering step creates the luscious sauce that will coat your tilapia beautifully.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Tilapia in Sauce
Return the seared tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure every inch is infused with flavor. Allow them to simmer gently for another minute to heat through and soak up the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness.
How to Serve Tilapia Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges add a fresh, vibrant lift to the dish and make it look as inviting as it tastes. A light sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes can also add a beautiful pop of red if you love a touch of heat.
Side Dishes
Tilapia Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed vegetables or sautéed greens keep the meal light and nutritious. For something more comforting, fluffy rice or a bed of pasta will soak up that delectable scampi sauce like a charm. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are fantastic options that complement the delicate fish and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tilapia over a colorful vegetable medley or mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner plate. You can even turn this into a beautiful platter with crusty garlic bread on the side to mop up every last bit of that buttery sauce. Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or capers can also bring new texture and flavor, making your Tilapia Scampi Recipe stand out at any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover tilapia scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the fish tender, make sure you cover it well and avoid stacking pieces to prevent them from breaking apart.
Freezing
While the sauce may change texture slightly, you can freeze the tilapia fillets separately (without sauce) for up to one month wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat carefully to avoid overcooking.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the tilapia in a skillet over low heat, spooning fresh butter and lemon juice over the top to revive the flavors. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as that can dry out the fish and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fish for this Tilapia Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Mild white fish like cod or haddock work great as substitutes and will absorb the sauce beautifully while maintaining a flaky texture.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
No, you can easily swap dry white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. Both provide acidity and depth, but wine adds a subtle complexity some may prefer.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the garlic and lemon. If you prefer it mild, simply leave them out or reduce the amount.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling or even tripling the ingredients works well. Just be mindful to cook the fillets in batches so they sear properly without overcrowding the pan.
What wine pairs best with Tilapia Scampi Recipe when serving?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, echoing the citrus and buttery notes of the dish without overpowering the delicate fish.
Final Thoughts
This Tilapia Scampi Recipe is truly a keeper — it’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The balance of buttery garlic, fresh lemon, and tender fish is the kind of comfort food that you’ll want to make over and over. So grab your skillet, a few fresh ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this timeless seafood classic.
Print
Tilapia Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tilapia Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender tilapia fillets cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon and white wine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this skillet recipe combines simple ingredients to create a delicious, Italian-inspired main course that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish:
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Tilapia:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned fillets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Carefully remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth along with the lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Fish and Sauce:
Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and simmer for an additional minute to heat the fish through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute tilapia with cod or haddock if preferred.
- For a low-carb option, serve the dish over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of traditional sides.
