Pan-seared tilapia is a quick and easy recipe that is ready in 10 minutes and made with a perfect combination of spices that will keep you hungry for more!
Why You'll Love It
This pan-seared tilapia packs a lot of flavor for the low effort used in making it. One serving contains a whopping 23g of protein which keeps you feeling full longer! It is also gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free.
The main selling point for me when making this dish is just how fast it is to whip up from start to finish. To make it even faster, I like to premix the spices and store in a container so I can just grab and rub when I need it.
Equipment Used
It’s worth a mention that if you have a cast-iron pan, this is by far the best pan to sear the fish with.
Because most cast iron skillets are non-stick when seasoned properly, you don’t have to worry about the tilapia sticking to the pan. It is also easier to flip the fish with a spatula without breaking.
A cast-iron pot is great for searing because it retains heat better and stays hot throughout the cooking process. The food cooks evenly so there are no hot spots.
There are so many advantages of using a cast-iron pan for this recipe, but if you don’t have one, you can still use a regular pan/skillet. You’ll just have to take extra precautions so the tilapia does not burn or stick to the pan and break into pieces.
Ingredients Used
- Tilapia: I used about 6 store-bought filets. They come individually wrapped and are sold in a lot of grocery stores.
- Spices: After much testing, I settled on a blend of cayenne pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, lemon pepper, black pepper, and salt. This combination is just tasty and spicy enough without being overwhelming.
- Olive oil: I use a little olive oil to sear the fish.
How To Make Pan Seared Tilapia
Pan seared tilapia is so easy and quick to make. It serves 6 and each serving contains 0 carbs.
- Start with patting the fish dry with a paper towel.
- In a separate bowl mix the spices together. Rub both sides of the fish generously with the spices and set aside.
- Place the cast iron pan on the stove so that it begins to pre-heat. When it gets hot, add the olive oil and spread it out with a brush.
- When the oil is heated, add the fish to the pan. Depending on the size of your pan, you might be able to do it all in one go or sear half at a time.
- After about 3-4 minutes, flip the fish gently with a spatula and let cook for the same time on the other side.
- The tilapia fish will be perfectly seared and ready to eat!
What Can I Eat Pan-Seared Tilapia With?
My favorite side dish to go with this recipe is this spicy avocado salsa. The combination of flavors is just perfect and amazing!
Other great choices are:
Tips and Variations
- Don't skip patting the fish with a paper towel before searing. You want to get as much moisture off the fish so that it crisps up nicely when seared.
- You can use this delectable fish seasoning or this creole seasoning for even more flavor.
- Make sure the oil is very hot to get a nice sear on the tilapia.
Related Recipes
Here are some other mouthwatering fish and seafood recipes for you to enjoy!
Also, check out this great roundup collection of low carb and keto fish recipes!
📖 Recipe
Pan-Seared Tilapia
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia with a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture.6 tilapia fillets
- Mix all spices together in a bowl.½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon pepper, ½ teaspoon salt
- Rub both sides of fish with spices.
- Place cast-iron pan on high heat and add olive oil when heated.2 tablespoon olive oil
- When the oil gets hot, place the tilapia in pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Don't skip patting the fish with a paper towel before searing. You want to get as much moisture off the fish so that it crisps up nicely when seared.
- You can use this delectable fish seasoning or this creole seasoning for even more flavor.
- Make sure the oil is very hot to get a nice sear on the tilapia.
Delicious flavor and super easy!
I modified mine a bit; using coconut oil instead of olive oil. I didn't have smoky paprika, so I used regular paprika 1/2 tsp, and 1/2 tsp of smoky BBQ spice.
I'd definitely recommend!
Thank you so much for your feedback, Patrica!
My husband absolutely loved this and he’s not a big fish eater. Spices were superb!
Yay, I'm so thrilled your husband enjoyed this fish. Thanks for the feedback, Shawn!
Just made this using one piece I had leftover for lunch and reduced the spice fractions. So good and easy even on a work day. Thank you!
I'm so glad it worked out well for you, Nikki!
Ten minutes is super fast, quite impressive. In Ghana, Tilapia is a preferred food to be eaten with Kenkey or Banku, two local foods. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome, Fred. I hope you enjoy it!
This Pan-seared tilapia is definitely making me hungry! I can hear my tummy growl.
It tends to do that to me as well 🙂
10 minutes to make this?! Totally worth those 10 minutes!
I know right? It's my favorite express meal!
This pan-seared tilapia sounds perfect for quick weeknight dinners! Thanks for sharing
Great alternative recipe for fish! Thanks for sharing
You're welcome, Marina!
I can't wait to try with that spicy avocado salsa! YUM!
It's the perfect combo 🙂