Description
Crispy pan-fried tilapia delivers a Mediterranean-inspired seafood sensation that dances with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs. Delicate fish fillets sizzle to golden perfection, promising a light yet satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 ½ pounds or 680 grams)
Dry Seasoning Mix:
- ½ cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously dry each tilapia fillet using paper towels, removing excess moisture to ensure a crisp exterior when cooking.
- Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend by combining flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Carefully dredge each fillet through the seasoned flour mixture, gently pressing to achieve a uniform, delicate coating that will crisp beautifully when fried.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, optional: add a pat of butter to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
- Gently lower the coated fillets into the heated oil, allowing ample space between each piece to prevent steaming and promote even caramelization.
- Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and ensuring the fish becomes delicately flaky when tested with a fork.
- If preparing multiple fillets, work in batches to maintain optimal cooking temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Transfer the perfectly crisp tilapia to a serving platter, adorning with freshly chopped parsley and presenting alongside bright, zesty lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Ensure fish is thoroughly dried to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delightful texture.
- Use a mix of flour and spices to build layers of flavor, transforming a simple tilapia into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
- Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and promote even cooking, allowing the fish to develop a beautiful golden crust while staying tender inside.
- For gluten-free adaptation, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornmeal to create a equally crispy coating that suits different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg