Tilapia with Lime-Jalapeno Butter

Still trying to clear things out of our freezer and refrigerator! The ironic part has been that I've made some of the best meals we've had lately while trying to "get rid" of things! I love this fish with the lime-jalapeno butter on top. It only has a light coating and then a little of the butter goes a long way, so while it might not be the healthiest way to consume fish, it can't be the worst either. Balance it out with a serving of vegetables and it's a great meal.

Pan Seared Tilapia with Lime-Jalapeno Butter

3 (4 oz) skinless tilapia fillets
1/4 tsp salt + pepper to taste
1/2 cup flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (mixed together)
~2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil

2 tbsp butter (room temp)
2 tsp minced red onion
1/2 tsp lime zest
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp minced jalapeno
salt and pepper to taste

Combine butter, onion, zest, juice, jalapeno, salt, and pepper and put in the refrigerator. I like to form a ball by wrapping it with plastic wrap before I put it back in the fridge.
Pat tilapia dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in seasoned flour mixture.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat until sizzling (not smoking!!--you should see ripples in it, but no smoke coming from it). Saute the fish, flipping after 2-3 minutes or after the underside is light golden brown. The total cook time for both sides should be around 5-6 minutes.
Serve with a small dollop of lime jalapeno butter--it will melt right across your fish and give it fantastic flavor!

adapted from this epicuriuos recipe and a recipe from Bonnie!

and because I think this is funny...trying to pick up the dogs. This is how we weigh them (Bear now weighs 70 lbs, Bruno 65!) Bruno is not a fan of getting picked up, but Bear LOVES it just like the big cow that he is!

okay, Bear looks GIGANTIC in this picture!