Pan fried tilapia

Discover a flavorful and easy-to-make Pan Fried Tilapia recipe. Featuring a delicious blend of paprika, onion, and garlic powder, dried oregano, and fresh thyme, this tilapia is perfectly crispy and seasoned. Ready in minutes, it's a perfect meal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

  • 13 May 2025
  • Cook time 10 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Pan fried tilapia

Pan-fried tilapia is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that marries the mild flavor of tilapia with a flavorful blend of spices. With a slight crisp on the outside and tender, flaky fish on the inside, this recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. This guide will walk you through the steps to create this delicious fish dish.

Ingredients:

16 oz tilapia
450g
2 tbsp all-purpose white wheat flour
16g
2 tbsp paprika
14g
1 tbsp onion powder
7g
1 tsp garlic powder
3.10g
1 tsp dried oregano
1g
1 tsp fresh thyme
0.40g
1/2 tsp black pepper
1.05g
1/2 tsp salt
3g
1/8 cup olive oil
27g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps ensure a nice crispy coating when frying.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, fresh thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Coating the Tilapia:
- Dredge each tilapia fillet in the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. You may need to gently press the fish into the mixture to ensure it sticks.
3. Heating the Pan:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the fish. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Cooking the Fish:
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the hot skillet. Fry the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
5. Finishing Up:
- Once cooked, transfer the tilapia fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serving:
- Serve the pan-fried seasoned tilapia hot with your choice of sides such as a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or a wedge of lemon if desired.

Tips:

- Ensure your tilapia fillets are patted dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and create a nice crust.

- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the tilapia to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; for a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.

- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the fish from sticking and make flipping easier.

- Heat the olive oil until it shimmers before adding the fish; this helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Congratulations! You've mastered the art of making pan-fried tilapia. With its crisp, golden exterior and savory, tender interior, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Pair it with your favorite sides or a fresh salad for a complete and delightful meal. Enjoy your homemade culinary creation!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size130 grams
Energy
Calories 140kcal7%
Protein
Protein 24g16%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1.58g4%
Sugar 0.40g0%
Fat
Fat 9g11%
Saturated 1.66g6%
Cholesterol 54mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 81ug9%
Choline 50mg9%
Vitamin B1 0.07mg6%
Vitamin B2 0.12mg9%
Vitamin B3 4.86mg30%
Vitamin B6 0.28mg16%
Vitamin B9 30ug8%
Vitamin B12 1.79ug75%
Vitamin C 0.05mg0%
Vitamin E 1.51mg10%
Vitamin K 6ug5%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 27mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.13mg14%
Iron, Fe 1.57mg14%
Magnesium, Mg 40mg9%
Phosphorus, P 210mg17%
Potassium, K 440mg13%
Selenium, Se 50ug88%
Sodium, Na 350mg23%
Zinc, Zn 0.60mg5%
Water
Water 90g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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