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Pan Seared Tilapia Recipe | Crispy Outside, Tender Inside in Under 15 Minutes

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-smoke point oil)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season both sides of each fillet.
  • Heat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until very hot. Add the avocado oil.
  • Carefully place the fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring they don't touch. Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms.
  • Flip the fillets. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. As it melts, tilt the pan and baste the fish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  • Remove the fish to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is creamy. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
  • Spoon the sauce over the tilapia and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure your pan is fully preheated before adding the oil; this is the key to preventing the fish from sticking and achieving a perfect crust.
Keyword pan seared tilapia, seafood