Pan Fried Tilapia

           In Indian cuisine when we say fried fish it does not mean batter dipped and fried. It means fish marinated in a spicy paste and just fried. It can be shallow fried as we are doing here or deep fried according to one's preference. Thin fillets like tilapia can only be pan fried. 

          Pan fried fish goes well with rice. Hot steaming rice with rasam and fried fish on the side is a satisfying meal. They also go well with variety rice dishes like Puliyodharai(Tamarind rice) and Lemon rice. You can also make a light and healthy fish sandwich, although that is not traditional. You can even use them in fish tacos.

          You can use any white fish in this recipe. I also make pan fried Salmon with this masala paste. Always use medium heat to cook this fish. Do not over crowd the pan.

Pan Fried Tilapia If you have thawed fish fillets, this is a quick recipe. With a few ingredients you can make this tasty and spicy fish in just a matter of minutes. Serve it with any variety rice or make a fish sandwich. Better still, make fish tacos with this pan fried fish. Prep Time: 30 mins, if using thawed or fresh fish Cook Time: 5 to 7 minutes per fillet Total Time: 37 mins Makes: 2 to 4 servings INGREDIENTS: Tilapia fillets 4 Garlic paste 1 tbsp Ginger paste 3/4th tbsp Chili powder 1 tsp or to taste Cumin powder 3/4th tsp Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp Lemon juice 1 tbsp Greek yogurt 1/4 cup Salt to taste Oil to pan fry fish Method: Make a few shallow slits on the fish fillets so the masala can get into the fish. Mix all the masala ingredients together, except the oil Apply the masala paste on both the sides of the fish fillets. Let the fish marinate in the masala paste for 15 minutes. Heat about 2 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a pan. If you are using a large pan that can fit all four fillets add more oil. When the oil starts to shimmer gently place the fillets in the pan. Cook on medium heat. When the bottom of the fillets are nice and golden brown flip the fish and cook the other side. Remove the fillets from the pan and serve. Notes: Do not overcook the fish. It can easily burn. You can adjust the quantities of spices to suit your taste. Try this masala paste with other kinds of white fish. I also use this masala paste with Salmon. This quantity will be good for two big salmon fillets. Try to use thick yogurt like Greek yogurt. You want a thick masala paste.

Ingredients

Mix all the ingredients except oil and fish

Apply the masala paste on the fish

Place the marinated fillet in the pan and fry

Pan fried fish is ready

video version of this recipe