Description
This Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then cooked in a skillet until golden and flaky. A quick, healthy seafood dish ready in under 20 minutes, it pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or salad for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Tilapia and Seasoning
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Dry the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear.
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: 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 season both sides of each tilapia fillet with the prepared spice mix to ensure balanced flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Tilapia: Lay the fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish turns golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle lemon juice over the cooked fillets, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Fresh tilapia fillets yield the best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen fillets work well too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
