Pan-Seared Tilapia

If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly, we've got you covered with this top-rated tilapia recipe. This pan-seared tilapia couldn't be simpler to make in just 15 minutes.

What Is Tilapia?

Tilapia is a freshwater white fish with a pleasantly flaky texture and mild flavor. It's one of the most popular types of fish in the United States because it's inexpensive, easy to find, and easy to prepare.

Tilapia Seasoning

There are plenty of delicious ways to season tilapia, but we're partial to the flavors found in this recipe: salt, pepper, lemon juice, flat-leaf parsley, and fresh thyme. If you want to spice things up a bit, try adding garlic and/or cayenne pepper.

How to Cook Tilapia

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated pan-seared tilapia:

Season the tilapia on both sides with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish, then press each filet into the flour and shake off any excess. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear tilapia on both sides until it flakes easily with a fork. Brush the filets with melted butter, remove from the skillet, drizzle with lemon juice, and garnish with herbs.

How Long to Cook Tilapia?

Tilapia cooks relatively quickly on the stove — this recipe will be ready in about eight minutes (four minutes of cooking on each side).

What to Serve With Tilapia

This pan-seared tilapia has a mild flavor, so it's easy to pair with just about anything. In need of a little inspiration? Try one of these simple side dishes to serve with tilapia:

Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Oven-Roasted Potatoes
Gourmet Mushroom Risotto
Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad

Explore our entire collection of Side Dish Recipes.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"My family LOVED IT," raves Angel Black. "It was my first time making this and I wanted to do something different. I did add the old bay and also some onion powder and garlic salt. It was delicious. I made it with baked sweet potato and broccoli. Will definitely make this again. Awesome recipe!!!"

"Fast, easy, and tasty way to prepare fish," according to Allrecipes Allstar Tammy Lynn. "I'll use this method again. Of course you can season it however you want: I used seasoned salt and black pepper on the fish. Instead of melting the butter and brushing it on, I just put it in the pan toward the end of the cooking time and let the butter get on both sides."

"My family absolutely loved this dish," says Mikarhine. "I added paprika, cayenne, and Parmesan cheese to the flour and it was simply amazing. This will be a regular dish in our home. So fast and so simple, can't go wrong."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams