Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce features flaky tilapia enhanced by a zesty butter sauce made with lime, chili, and onion. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

27 Dec 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 25 min

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter
1 lime
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
32 oz tilapia
1/4 red hot chili pepper red hot chili peppers
2 tsp lime juice
1 tbsp onion

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the light and flaky texture of tilapia with the zesty, tangy flavors of a chile-lime butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests with a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of spicy chili, fresh lime, and rich butter enhances the natural taste of the tilapia, making it a truly delicious and memorable dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Zest the lime to get the lime zest.
- Squeeze the juice from the lime. You’ll need 2 teaspoons of the juice for the sauce.
- Finely chop the red hot chili pepper and onion.

2. Make the Chile-Lime Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped red hot chili pepper and the finely chopped onion to the butter.
- Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the chili pepper is fragrant.
- Add the lime zest and the 2 teaspoons of lime juice. Stir well to combine.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the tilapia fillets with salt on both sides.
- When the oil is shimmering, carefully place the tilapia fillets in the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.

4. Serve:
- Arrange the cooked tilapia fillets on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the warm chile-lime butter sauce evenly over the tilapia fillets.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of fine dining to your home kitchen. The juicy tilapia, paired with the spicy and zesty chile-lime butter sauce, creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will surely impress anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy this meal on its own, or consider pairing it with sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce FAQ:

What is the cooking time for tilapia fillets?

Tilapia fillets typically take about 3-4 minutes to cook on each side over medium-high heat. The fish is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

How should I store leftover tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce?

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute the tilapia with another fish?

Yes, you can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish like cod or haddock. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How can I tell if the tilapia is fully cooked?

The tilapia is fully cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

What can I use instead of red hot chili pepper?

If you don't have red hot chili pepper, you can use crushed red pepper flakes or a milder chili like jalapeño, adjusting quantity according to your heat preference.

Tips:

- Make sure to pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a better sear.

- Adjust the amount of red hot chili pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

- For a more intense lime flavor, consider grating some lime zest into the butter sauce.

- Be careful not to overcook the tilapia; it should be just opaque in the center for a tender texture.

- Serve the tilapia immediately after cooking to enjoy the full flavor and freshness of the dish.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 220kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 1.63g
Fiber 0.38g
Sugar 0.47g
Fat 16g

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce