Description
Succulent pan fried tilapia recipe brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens with elegant simplicity. Crisp golden exterior and delicate fish flesh create a perfect weeknight dinner for seafood enthusiasts seeking quick, delicious meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly pat tilapia fillets dry using paper towels to create an optimal surface for seasoning and achieving a crispy exterior.
- Seasoning: Develop a robust flavor profile by mixing flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, creating a dynamic coating blend.
- Coating: Dredge each fillet comprehensively in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage while gently tapping off excess for an even, light coating.
- Searing: Heat olive oil with a whisper of butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat, establishing a non-stick surface that promises golden perfection and rich flavor.
- Cooking: Carefully place coated fillets in the skillet, maintaining strategic spacing to prevent steaming and encourage a crisp, caramelized crust, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side until fish turns flaky and golden brown.
- Serving: Transfer tilapia to a pristine platter, garnishing with vibrant fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges to elevate the dish’s sensory experience and brighten the delicate fish flavors.
Notes
- Moisture Removal Technique: Pat tilapia fillets completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that prevents soggy coating and ensures maximum flavor absorption.
- Seasoning Balance: Mix flour with spices evenly to create a uniform, flavorful crust that enhances the fish’s natural taste without overpowering its delicate texture.
- Heat Control Mastery: Maintain medium heat to prevent burning while creating a perfectly crisp exterior, allowing the fish to cook evenly and retain its moisture.
- Dietary Adaptation Tip: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornmeal for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful crunch and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 364
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 524 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg