Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe -- Gluten Free and Easy

Yes, I know, it's super pale. But I promise you, it has more flavor than many other colorfully seasoned fish dishes.

One of the cheapest animal proteins we have available locally is a type of tilapia called blue tilapia. And while it doesn't taste offensive at all, I find it just tastes very blah. I'll eat it because it's cheap, and sometimes I even get it gifted for free, but I don't find it appealing, so I generally eat it just because it's nourishment, and nothing else. I realize it just mostly has just a very boring and bland flavor, and just tastes like "fish" which isn't something I really want to be eating. The same seasoning I've used for other fish doesn't seem to do enough for this type of fish.

However, I know many people use this fish regularly and enjoy it, and I've often enjoyed it at other people's homes. I knew there must be some trick I was missing, so I turned to some friends and asked them for suggestions and I wasn't disappointed. Basically, the trick is- something acidic, and really strongly flavored to overcome the blahness. (Which is why Asian style seasoning, cajun seasoning, Mexican style with chili powder, etc...  and batter fried just didn't do it for me.)

This recipe is the simplest method I've used for this type of fish that the food comes out tasting scrumptious. When I made it for my family I had to ration how much each person could have, because I wasn't expecting it to be that popular. While I use blue tilapia, you can use any type of white fish fillet for this, I'm absolutely certain. I think it is preferable to use stuff with skin, because it helps it hold together better when flipping, but not required.

You can lightly flour the fish before you cook it, but I didn't bother, and I have no regrets.

This recipe is not only gluten free, it is also allergy friendly, as long as you aren't allergic to fish or dairy, and low carb, so it's good for lots of diets.

I've got a few more fish recipes coming right up! Can't wait to share.

Lemon Butter Tilapia Recipe -- Gluten Free and Easy

Ingredients:

5-6 tilapia fillets

Oil for frying

1/2 package butter
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice

5-10 Capers (optional)
Salt to taste
Garlic powder to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pat dry your tilapia until fully dried.

2. Rub salt, pepper, and garlic powder onto your tilapia. No specific measurements, just eyeball it.

3. Heat up some oil in your frying pan on medium heat.

4. When hot, gently lay down your fish, skin side down, a few pieces at a time, and let cook for a few minutes, and until you see the edges get crisped.

5. Flip over with a spatula, making sure to keep the fish whole. Cook for a minute or so more.

6. Remove from pan and repeat with the rest of the fish.

7. Lower the temperature to a small flame. 

8. Add chopped capers, if using, to the pan. Add the butter until melted.

9. Mix in the lemon juice.

10. Add salt and pepper to taste.

11. Lay out your fish in a single layer, and pour over your fish. Let it sit for a few minutes so the fish gets fully saturated with flavor.

Enjoy!

What is your favorite way to eat bland fish? Does this look like a recipe you'd try?