Description
This Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia is a quick and healthy seafood dish, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then cooked in a skillet until golden and flaky. Ready in under 20 minutes, it makes a perfect main course paired with rice, vegetables, or salad.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 tilapia fillets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the fillets: Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Mix seasonings: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the fish: Evenly coat both sides of each tilapia fillet with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the fillets: Add the seasoned fillets to the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add lemon and garnish: Drizzle the cooked fillets with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Plate the tilapia fillets immediately and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the fish to maintain moist and tender fillets.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Fresh tilapia fillets are ideal, but thawed frozen fillets can also be used effectively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
