What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Splurge-Worthy Goodness: Pan-Seared Tilapia! I don’t often “fry” foods, but once in awhile nothing else will do. The secret to pan-searing fish involves five key steps. First, make sure the skillet is nonstick or a trustworthy cast iron skillet. Secondly, choose a neutral-flavored oil which has a higher smoke point. You won’t need much, so it’s crucial to make sure the oil is not going to turn black from high heat. The third point, and this is just as important, make sure moisture is removed from the fish. If not, there is guaranteed to be steam-created soggy fish or dangerous grease splatters. Step Four: When the fish is placed in the pan, do not overcrowd it. The pieces should not touch each other at all. Finally, allow the fish to sear without moving it. This is how you get that beautiful crispy surface. Use a timer. Once the fillets are carefully flipped over, you’re almost done. By this time everyone in the house will be heading to the kitchen to discover what smells so incredibly good. Well Done, Grasshopper.
PAN-SEARED TILAPIA
Ingredients:
2 frozen tilapia fillets, thawed
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 lime, juice and zest
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pat butter, divided
Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions:
Defrost fish fillets overnight in the refrigerator. Remove from package, pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. In a shallow dish, combine brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, garlic powder, and lime zest. Mix well. Warm vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Rub both sides of each fillet with the spice mixture. Cook tilapia fillets for 4 minutes. Carefully flip them over. Squeeze lime juice over fish in pan. Divide a pat of butter over the top of each fillet. Cook 3 minutes longer, or until opaque and flaky. Transfer pan-seared tilapia fillets to a platter. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill. Serve immediately.
snapshotsincursive 
This looks and sounds fabulous.
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We loved it. 😋🌿
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I’ve never heard of Tilapia but the process you describe sounds very similar to pan-fried ooops, pan-seared salmon.
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Honestly, any fish would work, in my opinion. 👏👏👏
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Love Tilapia especially pan fried ones with a little white rice on the side!
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Nice addition of the rice. 😋🍂
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Tilapia is one delicious dish to have 🐟 🐟 🐟 😃
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Not only that, it is truly affordable. 🐠
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Yes, definitely affordable 😁🐟
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Yum! This looks really delicious!
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Perfect for a meatless meal. 😍
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What a great color! 🙂
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I owe it all to my cast iron skillet. 👏
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🙂
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I like fish. This sounds like a very good recipe, Gail!
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It is convenient, easy, and tasty. Bonus points. 🌟🌟🌟
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Yum!!
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These are great tips, Gail. And those ingredients you dish up are robust, which I find quite necessary when working with Tilapia.
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Every once in awhile I’m in the mood for robust. 😜
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Me two!
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This sounds fabulous! I love tilapia 🙃
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It’s kinda my “go-to” fish dinner. 🤣
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I printed your One Fish Two Fish from 2018 where you used tilapia. Guess I should make one of these recipes 🙂
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Wow, Judy. Thanks very much!!! 🐟🐠
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I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Tilapia
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I buy it in the freezer section of my grocery. Check it out. 👏👏👏
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Wow this is amazing
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It’s pretty simple, actually. Anyone can do it. 😍🍃
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Yeah thanks
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One of my favourites 👍
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I’d definitely have it again. 😜🍂
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