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Deliciously pan-fried tilapia cooked to golden perfection

Best Pan-Fried Tilapia

A quick and flavorful pan-fried tilapia recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 135
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets Tilapia fillets Fresh, flaky fish; substitute for sole or flounder if needed.
  • 2-3 tbsp Butter Adds richness and flavor; oil can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour Creates that crispy coating; use cornmeal for gluten-free.
  • to taste none Salt Essential seasoning; add pepper or other spices for an extra kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Thaw your tilapia fillets if frozen by running them under cold water or placing them in a bowl of water for a couple of minutes.
  2. Pat the thawed fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt.
  3. Coat the fillets evenly with flour for a perfectly crisp texture.
Cooking
  1. In a nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat, ensuring it does not burn.
  2. Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and let them brown on one side until crispy, then flip to brown the other side.
  3. Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess butter.

Notes

For serving suggestions, pair it with garlic butter broccoli or a simple lemon-herb sauce. Use fresh herbs for garnish and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving for added flavor.