Crispy Herb-Crusted Tilapia
This Crispy Herb-Crusted Tilapia is a delightful, family-friendly dish that is both quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Coated in a finely balanced mix of spices, this tilapia is pan-fried to golden perfection, yielding a crispy exterior and tender, flaky fish inside. With minimal prep time and wholesome ingredients, it's no surprise that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for dredging)
Paprika
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Onion powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Butter
1/4 cup (for frying)
Tilapia fillets
4-6 fillets (frozen, thawed)
Instructions
1
Begin by thawing the frozen tilapia fillets. Place the fillets in their packaging in a bowl of warm water, allowing them to thaw for approximately 10 minutes. Once thawed, pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt, ensuring they are well mixed.
3
Take each thawed tilapia fillet and coat both sides in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to adhere the spices.
4
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling slightly. Carefully place the coated tilapia fillets in the skillet, spacing them apart to avoid overcrowding.
5
Cook the fillets for about 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6
Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel for a minute before serving.
7
Serve the crispy tilapia hot, and enjoy with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to thaw the frozen tilapia fillets?
Thawing the tilapia fillets takes approximately 10 minutes in a bowl of warm water while they are still in their packaging.
What is the first step after thawing the tilapia?
Once the fillets are thawed, you should pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres properly.
What ingredients are used in the herb crust seasoning?
The seasoning mixture consists of all-purpose flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
How should I combine the seasoning ingredients?
In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour and all the spices, ensuring they are well mixed before coating the fish.
How do I apply the seasoning to the tilapia fillets?
Take each thawed fillet and coat both sides in the seasoning mixture, pressing gently to make sure the spices stick to the fish.
What is used to fry the tilapia?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter to be melted in a large skillet for pan-frying the fillets.
At what heat should I cook the tilapia?
The fish should be cooked over medium heat until the butter is melted and bubbling slightly.
How long does the tilapia need to cook on each side?
Each fillet should be cooked for about 5 minutes on each side.
How can I tell if the tilapia is fully cooked?
You can check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and has reached a golden brown color.
What should I do once the fish is finished cooking?
Remove the tilapia from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel for one minute before serving to maintain its crispiness.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a delightful, family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many fillets are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 to 6 tilapia fillets.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal with minimal prep time.
Can I use fresh tilapia instead of frozen?
Yes, if using fresh tilapia, you can skip the thawing step and proceed directly to patting the fish dry.
What kind of texture does the herb crust provide?
The crust provides a crispy exterior that contrasts with the tender, flaky fish inside.
What side dishes go well with Crispy Herb-Crusted Tilapia?
You can serve this fish with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a high-protein meal.
What type of paprika should I use?
The recipe suggests standard paprika, though you could use smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano and dried thyme for the seasoning blend.
How much flour is required for dredging?
You will need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Is onion powder included in the spices?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of onion powder for seasoning.
What is the role of the paper towel in this recipe?
Paper towels are used both to dry the fish before seasoning and to drain excess butter after frying.
Can I avoid overcrowding the pan?
Yes, it is recommended to space the fillets apart in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
What is the total number of ingredients listed?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Is there any garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a finely balanced mix of savory herbs and spices with a buttery, crispy finish.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
How should the tilapia be served?
It should be served hot immediately after draining for the best texture and flavor.