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.
