Go Back
Simple Brown Butter Tilapia with Toasted Basil Butter Breadcrumbs. photo

Brown Butter Tilapia with Toasted Basil Butter Breadcrumbs.

This Brown Butter Tilapia with Toasted Basil Butter Breadcrumbs is SO EASY! A quick gourmet dish with nutty brown butter and crispy, flavorful basil breadcrumbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 4 filets tilapia fresh
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons brown butter
  • 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 clove garlic minced or pressed
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the tilapia filets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Brown the Butter

  • In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and starts to smell nutty, about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

Toast the Breadcrumbs

  • Once the butter is browned, remove half of it from the skillet and set it aside for later. In the skillet with the remaining brown butter, add the panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and dried basil. Toast the breadcrumbs for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Tilapia

  • In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the tilapia filets with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully place the tilapia in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

Assemble the Dish

  • Once the tilapia is cooked, drizzle the reserved brown butter over the filets. Then, generously sprinkle the toasted basil breadcrumbs on top of the fish.

Serve

  • Serve your Brown Butter Tilapia with Toasted Basil Butter Breadcrumbs immediately, perhaps with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Store cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for meal prep.
  • Substitute tilapia with similar white fish like cod or haddock if desired.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Keep a close eye while browning the butter to avoid burning.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor in the breadcrumbs.
Keyword Breadcrumbs, Brown Butter, Easy, Fish, Quick, Tilapia