Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce

Experience a burst of flavor with our Tilapia with Chile-Lime Butter Sauce recipe. Perfectly seared tilapia fillets are drizzled in a zesty, buttery sauce made with fresh lime, spicy red chili peppers, and a hint of onion. Ready in just minutes, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat and citrus, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet gourmet dinner.

  • 30 May 2025
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 25 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Tilapia with chile-lime butter sauce

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.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter
54g
1 lime
70g
1/2 tsp salt
3g
2 tbsp vegetable oil
27g
32 oz tilapia
910g
1/4 red hot chili pepper red hot chili peppers
11g
2 tsp lime juice
10g
1 tbsp onion
10g

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.

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.

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.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size180 grams
Energy
Calories 220kcal11%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 1.63g0%
Fiber 0.38g1%
Sugar 0.47g0%
Fat
Fat 16g18%
Saturated 6g18%
Cholesterol 100mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 70ug8%
Choline 70mg12%
Vitamin B1 0.07mg6%
Vitamin B2 0.10mg8%
Vitamin B3 6mg37%
Vitamin B6 0.26mg15%
Vitamin B9 40ug10%
Vitamin B12 2.39ug100%
Vitamin C 7mg7%
Vitamin E 0.65mg4%
Vitamin K 3.12ug3%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 22mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.12mg14%
Iron, Fe 0.94mg9%
Magnesium, Mg 44mg10%
Phosphorus, P 260mg21%
Potassium, K 480mg14%
Selenium, Se 66ug115%
Sodium, Na 270mg18%
Zinc, Zn 0.53mg5%
Water
Water 130g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

Banh mi turkey burgers

Perfect for a fun and flavorful meal.

22 May 2025

Warm chickpea salad

Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe balances vibrant ingredients for a satisfying dish.

25 May 2025

Chocolate and cinnamon pudding

Try it now and experience the ultimate comfort in every spoonful.

22 Apr 2025

Easy microwave sausage, kale and white beans

Ready in minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.

06 Jun 2025

Pistachio and lemon scones

Ready in no time, these scones are sure to become a favorite treat for any occasion.

01 Mar 2025

Classic baked chicken thighs with olive oil and chicken broth

Ready in under an hour, these deliciously seasoned chicken thighs are the ideal comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

01 Jun 2025

Spiced white hot chocolate

Irresistibly indulgent with a spicy twist, it's the perfect cozy drink for any chilly day.

10 Apr 2025

Tuna burrito with pickles and goat cheese

Ready in minutes, it's a healthy and delicious meal option.

07 May 2025

Posts