Breaded Pan-Fried Tilapia

Written by
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Diana Rattray
Updated 04/09/21
Pan-fried tilapia

The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 16 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
266 Calories
17g Fat
26g Carbs
4g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 266
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 447mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Protein 4g
Calcium 85mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Serve this flavorful tilapia with french fries, roasted potatoes, or rice, along with your family's favorite vegetables. Steamed broccoli or green beans are excellent choices.

Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs or panko crumbs
  • 1/3 cup Creole mustard or a spicy brown mustard
  • 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
  • 6 to 8 tilapia fillets
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Dash leaf thyme
  • Dash ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. If using panko crumbs, put them in a food processor with the seasonings—salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and parsley flakes; process until the crumbs are quite fine.

  4. In a small bowl, combine the mustard and mayonnaise; generously coat tilapia fillets with the mixture then coat with breadcrumbs.

  5. Fry the coated tilapia fillets in the hot oil in a single layer, turning carefully after about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes longer, or until cooked through and lightly browned.