Are you tired of bland, boring fish dishes that leave you uninspired? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this mouthwatering Pan Fried Tilapia with Herbed Yogurt Sauce that combines crispy, golden-brown perfection with a tangy, fresh herbed sauce. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – no culinary degree required!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy coating.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each tilapia fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Coat the egg-dipped fillet in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to the fish.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke.
- Carefully place the breaded tilapia fillets in the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- While fish is cooking, prepare the herbed yogurt sauce by mixing plain yogurt, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Remove tilapia from pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot, garnishing each fillet with a generous dollop of herbed yogurt sauce.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, not soggy, coating.
- Use medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – cook fillets in batches if necessary to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Let the fish rest on a paper towel after cooking to absorb excess oil and keep the coating crispy.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your flour or breadcrumb mixture.
- The herbed yogurt sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Choose fresh, high-quality tilapia fillets for the best taste and texture.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest experience – the breading tends to soften as it sits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 150mg
