Elevate your seafood game with this mouthwatering Tilapia with Lemon Peppercorn Sauce recipe—a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Tender, flaky tilapia fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by the subtle heat of coarsely crushed black peppercorns. A hint of garlic and optional white wine adds depth to the sauce, while butter creates a silky, velvety finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is as quick as it is elegant, making it an excellent weeknight dinner or a standout centerpiece for entertaining guests. For a complete meal, serve with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad, and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt.
Zest the lemon, then cut it in half. Squeeze the juice from half the lemon into a small bowl and set aside. Reserve the other half for garnishing, if desired.
Crush the black peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan, leaving them slightly coarse.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not burn.
Deglaze the skillet with the white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the heavy cream, crushed peppercorns, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to create a silky texture and cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or peppercorns as needed.
Return the tilapia fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the fish to reheat gently for 1-2 minutes.
Transfer the tilapia fillets to serving plates, pouring the lemon peppercorn sauce over each fillet.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.
Serving size | 844.3 grams (844.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1965 |
Total Fat 153.70g | 197% |
Saturated Fat 75.50g | 378% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.80g | |
Cholesterol 567mg | 189% |
Sodium 2890mg | 126% |
Total Carbohydrate 11.60g | 4% |
Dietary Fiber 3.00g | 11% |
Total Sugars 2.30g | |
Protein 105.80g | 212% |
Vitamin D 7IU | 34% |
Calcium 104mg | 8% |
Iron 3mg | 19% |
Potassium 1740mg | 37% |
Source of Calories