Description
This Easy Pan-Seared Tilapia recipe features tender, flaky tilapia fillets seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices, then cooked to a golden perfection in a skillet. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy and flavorful seafood dish pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat Dry: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Fish: Evenly season both sides of each tilapia fillet with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring full flavor coverage.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, heating until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Tilapia: Add the fillets to the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Cook until the fillets are golden brown and easily flake with a fork.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle the cooked tilapia with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for brightness and color.
- Serve: Serve the tilapia immediately alongside lemon wedges for extra citrus flavor as desired.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the tilapia to keep the fish moist and tender.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Fresh tilapia fillets work best, but thawed frozen fillets can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
