Forktionary

Balsamic Browned Butter Over Tilapia Fillets Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this decadent yet surprisingly simple Balsamic Browned Butter Tilapia recipe, inspired by Rachael Ray! Perfectly pan-fried tilapia fillets are drizzled with a rich, balsamic-browned butter sauce that's both flavorful and easy to make in under 20 minutes. A healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 301.8 kcal
Protein 48g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Balsamic Browned Butter Over Tilapia Fillets 37

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Balsamic Browned Butter Over Tilapia Fillets

  • 2 (6-ounce) Tilapia Fillets
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar

How to Make Balsamic Browned Butter Over Tilapia Fillets

  1. Season tilapia fillets generously with salt and pepper. Dredge in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Pan-fry the tilapia for 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
  4. Remove the cooked tilapia from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
  6. Cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a light brown color and has a nutty aroma (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
  7. Stir in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.
  8. Simmer the balsamic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce slightly reduces and thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
  9. Pour the balsamic browned butter sauce generously over the tilapia fillets.
  10. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley (optional).
  11. **Healthier Tip:** For a lower-fat option, bake the tilapia at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

35g

Carbs

3g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Seafood European Italian The Americas American Healthy 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish Seafood Easy Fish Freshwater Fish Tilapia