Pan-seared tilapia is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors that are both savory and satisfying.
Quick prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal anytime.

Ingredient Notes:

Tilapia fillets: Provide a mild and flaky base for the dish.
Salt and ground black pepper: Enhance the flavors of the tilapia.
All-purpose flour: Creates a crispy coating when pan-searing.
Olive oil: Adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Provides a buttery richness to the tilapia.
Lemon juice: Offers a bright and citrusy contrast to the dish.
Fresh parsley and thyme: Optional herbs for added freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
Dredge fillets in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Add butter, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme to the skillet.
Baste fillets with the sauce and serve hot.

Helpful Tips:

Pat dry the tilapia fillets before seasoning for a crispier sear.
Use a non-stick skillet for easy flipping and cleanup.
Substitute other white fish like cod or halibut for tilapia.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor profile.
Allow the tilapia fillets to come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve pan-seared tilapia with a side of steamed vegetables and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen tilapia fillets for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

How can I prevent the tilapia from sticking to the skillet?

Ensure the skillet is properly heated and lightly greased before adding the fillets.

Can I bake the tilapia instead of pan-searing it?

Yes, you can bake the tilapia in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

What other seasonings can I add to the tilapia?

Experiment with different spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor.

Conclusion:

Pan-seared tilapia is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal that is sure to impress!

Pan-Seared Tilapia

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Pan-Seared Tilapia is a delicious and quick seafood dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tilapia fillets are seasoned, coated in flour, and pan-seared to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Various

Ingredients

Scale

4 (4 ounce) tilapia fillets
salt and ground black pepper to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste (Optional)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, or to taste (Optional)
½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or to taste (Optional)

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Instructions

Season the tilapia: Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
Coat the fillets: Dredge the seasoned tilapia fillets in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat the pan: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the tilapia: Cook the tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Optional toppings: Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley and thyme if desired.

Notes

Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the tilapia to achieve a crispy crust.
Adjust seasoning and optional toppings to suit your taste preferences.