Ingredients
Salsa:
- 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Minced fresh chile of choice, see Cook's Note*
- Canola oil, for frying
- 6 fillets of tilapia (about 6 ounces each)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Flour, for dusting
Directions
To make the salsa: Stir the tomatoes, onion, and cilantro together in a small bowl. Stir in the lime juice, olive oil and chile. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the fish.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
Pour enough canola oil into a large frying pan to generously coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
While the oil is heating, season as many of the fillets as will fit in the pan comfortably with salt and pepper. Dredge the seasoned fillets in flour to coat both sides and shake off the excess flour. Carefully slip the coated snapper into the hot oil and give the pan a little shake to prevent sticking. Cook until lightly golden on the underside side, about 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and cook until the thickest part of the fillets are opaque at the center, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining fillets, adding more oil to the pan, if necessary.
Serve warm, passing the tomato salsa separately.
*Cook's Note: The type and amount of chile you add to the tomato-onion mix is up to you: choose a milder chile, like serrano or jalapeno and remove the seeds before mincing for a milder result. Pick a fiery chile like Scotch bonnet or habanero and leave the seeds in for lots of fire.
Photo: Pan-Seared Tilapia Recipe
















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By newtothekitchen86
on March 14, 2012
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I made this dish tonight. My first time cooking or eating tilapia. It was great! It was very easy even for a beginner like myself. I am definately going to make this again
By cici8304
on January 17, 2012
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This meal came out GREAT!!! I was a little hesitant at first, but after the first bite, my taste buds were DANCING! :My husband and picky eater of a son ATE THIS UP and loved it, my husband even cleaned up the kitchen afterwards, so I know he was happy!
By bobbyhowle_12130691
mckinney texas
on August 24, 2010
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The Tilapia was flaky and tender and the salsa was fabulous. It took less than an hour from prep to dishes being done. We will have this again soon!!
Read all 17 reviews