1. Prep the Fish:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, and lemon zest.
- Season both sides of the fish fillets with the spice mixture, pressing it gently onto the fillets.
2. Heat the Pan:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Fish:
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned fillets in the pan.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and easily flakes with a fork.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the lemon juice and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley and remove from heat.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the fish is cooked through, remove it from the pan.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the fish fillets.
6. Presentation:
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices.
- Serve the pan-seared tilapia fillets over a bed of cooked quinoa, rice, or your favorite vegetables.
7. Enjoy:
- Encourage your visitors to savor the burst of flavors from the lemon herb seasoning and the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Pair the dish with a side salad or a refreshing citrusy drink for a complete and delightful meal.
This pan-seared fish recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises a symphony of flavors that will leave your visitors motivated to explore more culinary adventures.