Pan Seared Tilapia
These pan-seared tilapia fillets are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a burst of fresh flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal that feels gourmet.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Pan-seared Tilapia
- 4 4-6 ounce tilapia fillets
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves smashed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme optional
Tartar Sauce ( Optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 5 tablespoons capers drained and coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped pickles such as cornichons or half sour
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill or parsley
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire or soy sauce
- 1 small garlic clove grated, using a Microplane
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Fish: Rinse tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish and press each fillet into the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Infuse the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 smashed garlic cloves to the oil and cook until they start to brown, then remove the garlic. This step infuses the oil with a subtle garlic flavor.
- Cook the Tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets in the hot oil. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. In the last minute of cooking, brush the fillets with melted butter.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the cooked fillets with lemon juice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme.
Tartar Sauce ( Optional)
- In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, capers, pickles, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Finely grate the garlic, using a Microplane into the bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything until well combined, then season the tartar sauce with salt and plenty of pepper to taste.
Notes
Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For reheating, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes covered in foil, or reheat in a skillet with a bit of oil for 2 minutes per side. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals. To keep the fillets moist, avoid overcooking and freshen up with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs after reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 50mg | Sugar: 0.04g