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Pan Fried Tilapia Recipe

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Pan-Fried Tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Lightly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 1/2 lbs or 680g)
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fish:
    • Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Set aside on a plate.
  2. Make the Coating:
    • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Fish:
    • Dredge each tilapia fillet in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off excess flour.
  4. Heat the Oil:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter if desired for extra flavor. Swirl the pan to coat evenly.
  5. Cook the Tilapia:
    • Place the fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Serve:
    • Transfer the cooked tilapia to a serving plate. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with tartar sauce, coleslaw, or your favorite side dishes.