Tilapia with lemon and spices

Discover a delicious and healthy dinner option with our Tilapia recipe, featuring a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powders, perfectly seasoned with a hint of black and red pepper. Finished with fresh lemon juice, this pan-seared tilapia is a light and zesty dish that's easy to prepare and ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Enjoy this nutritious, spice-infused seafood delight today!

  • 10 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 6 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Tilapia with lemon and spices

This tilapia recipe combines the bold flavors of paprika, garlic, and red pepper with the freshness of lemon to create a delightful and healthy meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp paprika
14g
2 tsp onion powder
4.80g
1.50 tsp garlic powder
4.65g
1 tsp salt
6g
1/4 tsp black pepper
0.52g
1/4 tsp red pepper (spice)
0.45g
20 oz tilapia
570g
5 tsp olive oil
22g
1 lemon
110g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Mix well to create a uniform spice blend.
2. Season the Tilapia:
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet generously with the spice mix, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
3. Heat the Pan:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil and allow it to heat up until it starts to shimmer.
4. Cook the Tilapia:
Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is blackened on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Serve:
Transfer the cooked tilapia to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets for added flavor. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips:

- Make sure the tilapia fillets are patted dry before seasoning for better spice adherence and a nice crust.

- Preheat the skillet thoroughly to ensure a good sear on the fish.

- Adjust the red pepper to your spice preference – you can add more if you like it spicier.

- Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant and fresh flavor.

- If you're using frozen tilapia, make sure it's fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.

Serve your tilapia with a side of your favorite vegetables or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The tangy lemon and aromatic spices elevate the tilapia to a whole new level, making it a dish you'll want to cook again and again.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size180 grams
Energy
Calories 160kcal8%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 2.13g6%
Sugar 1.07g1%
Fat
Fat 9g10%
Saturated 1.71g6%
Cholesterol 70mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 66mg12%
Vitamin B1 0.09mg7%
Vitamin B2 0.14mg11%
Vitamin B3 6mg37%
Vitamin B6 0.35mg20%
Vitamin B9 40ug10%
Vitamin B12 2.24ug93%
Vitamin C 14mg16%
Vitamin E 1.65mg11%
Vitamin K 5ug4%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 33mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.15mg17%
Iron, Fe 1.77mg16%
Magnesium, Mg 50mg11%
Phosphorus, P 260mg21%
Potassium, K 560mg17%
Selenium, Se 60ug109%
Sodium, Na 660mg44%
Zinc, Zn 0.67mg6%
Water
Water 140g-
* 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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