Pan seared tilapia is one of my favorite easy recipes to make on a busy weeknight! My kids love it and it’s super easy to whip up. I like serving it with rice pilaf and roasted bell peppers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients – Seasoned with basic pantry spices.
- Light but satisfying – Perfect for when you don’t want something heavy.
- Versatile – Pairs well with rice, veggies or a salad.
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
How to Make Pan Seared Tilapia
In a bowl combine 1 tbs of olive oil with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked parika, oregano, thyme and basil. Mix well. Rub this mixture all over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
Heat up the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the filllets in batches and cook for about 4 minutes per side or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and repeat with the remaining fillets adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
What to Serve with Pan Seared Tilapia
Pan seared tilapia go great with many dishes such as:
Tips for the Best Pan Seared Tilapia
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning so it sears better.
- Don’t crowd the skillet when searing the fish or it will steam instead.
- Cook over medium heat so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, just make sure the tilapia is fully thawed. Pat dry before seasoning.
How do I know when tilapia is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I use a different fish?
Yes, this seasoning blend would also work well with other mild white fish. The cook time can vary though depending on how thick the fish is.
Pan Seared Tilapia
This pan seared tilapia is seasoned with simple spices and cooked until flaky and golden. A quick, easy, and budget-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs tilapia fillets
- 2 tbs olive oil more as needed
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and basil. Mix well.
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Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
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Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 fillets and cook for about 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
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Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining fillets, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
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Serve and enjoy!