Pan-fried tilapia fillets are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of light, flaky fish with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh salads to roasted vegetables. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or butter (or a mix of both)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined.
- In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Dredge each fillet in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Pan-Fry the Fillets:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated tilapia fillets to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Depending on the size of your skillet, you may need to do this in batches.
- Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove the tilapia fillets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Pair with your choice of side dishes, like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the tilapia fillets in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before coating them.
- Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, such as Italian seasoning or cumin, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy your perfectly pan-fried tilapia fillet, a dish that is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients!