Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 pound tilapia fillets (should be 4 fillets, fresh or thawed (according to package directions) if frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or another oil with a very high smoke point)
  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • lemon juice (to taste)

Instruction

  • Combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, dried oregano, dried thyme, celery seed, and salt together in a small bowl. Set aside. 
  • Gently dab tilapia with a paper towel to remove some of the moisture.
  • Cover generously with your spice rub, making sure to press it in with your finger tips.
  • Gently shake off any extra rub and set aside. You can let the rubbed fish rest at room temperature for up to 20 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes
  • Once hot, add in a tablespoon of oil, turn to coat the pan, and immediately add in 2 of the tilapia filets.
  • Cook on one side for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Flip, add in another half tablespoon of oil, and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. 
  • The tilapia will be opaque and can be flaked with a fork. The outside will be VERY dark. 
  • Remove tilapia from the pan, squeeze lemon juice generously over cooked fillets.
  • Repeat with remaining tilapia and serve!