Description
Savory pan-fried tilapia with herbed chili batter brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table. Crispy golden exterior and tender fish inside promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large tilapia fillets
Dry Batter Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1/4 lemon
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare tilapia fillets by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and let rest for a brief moment to absorb seasoning.
- Create a dynamic herb-infused chili batter by thoroughly mixing dry ingredients in a wide, shallow dish, ensuring even distribution of spices and herbs.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over low heat, gently infusing with crushed garlic to release aromatic flavors, then remove browned garlic pieces.
- Add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich, golden cooking surface that will enhance the fish’s flavor and texture.
- Carefully dredge each tilapia fillet in the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coating while shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
- Elevate skillet temperature to medium heat and gently place battered fish into the pan, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.
- Monitor fish carefully during cooking, using a spatula to turn delicately without breaking the delicate batter coating.
- Once perfectly cooked, transfer fish to serving plates and enhance with a vibrant squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish and serve immediately alongside light, complementary side dishes.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality tilapia fillets with firm, white flesh and minimal fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.
- Patting fish dry before battering ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior that doesn’t become soggy during cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness, using a fork to check if fish flakes easily and appears opaque white throughout.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornmeal for the batter to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg