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Pan Fried Tilapia

Pan Fried Tilapia Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Method
 

  1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes, until the edges are golden and the fish releases easily. Flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes, until opaque and flaky. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the pan, let it melt, then stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Scrape up any browned bits and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Plate the tilapia and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

If your fillets are very thin or uneven, pull the thinner pieces out a minute early so they don’t overcook while the thicker ones finish. The sauce is meant to be made right before serving; don’t let it sit in the pan or it can separate.