Simple Pan-Fried Fish

Happy First Full Day of Spring 2013!

Y'all probably already know all about pan-frying fish but hey, just in case you need a reminder of how simple and yummy this preparation is...  I'm here for you! 

Tilapia can be bought individually frozen or in larger packages in your grocery freezer case or fresh at the fish counter .  Either way, cook it up this way and you'll love it.  I recently served this to dinner guests as part of the following menu:

Cream of Mushroom Soup (not the canned kind...  fresh and flavorful and so smooth)

Pan-Fried Tilapia

Roasted White and Sweet Potatoes or Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

Spring Greens Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette

Fresh Apple Cake with Warm Vanilla Sauce 

There were both children and adults at this meal and everyone was satisfied.

Pan Fried Tilapia 

Recipe adapted from Always Order Dessert.

Serves 6.

You'll need:

6 tilapia filets

Butter (3-4 T)

Olive Oil (4-6 T)

Sea salt or kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Rinse the filets and use paper towels to pat them dry.  Leave the fish pieces on paper towels on the counter while you heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Start with 2 T of butter and 4 T of olive oil per filet.  While the butter and oil are heating, generously season the filets on both sides with the salt and pepper.

When the oil/butter is hot, place the filets in the pan, two batches of three filets probably will work.  Cook the filets 2-3 minutes or until golden and crisp on the pan side.  When ready, carefully flip (stand back and avoid splattering yourself!) and continue cooking on the other side for another 2-3 minutes.  Make sure the fish is nice and crisp, and therefore full of flavor!  (After the first batch is done you may want to add more butter and olive oil to the pan -- 1 T butter and 2 T olive oil -- and make sure it's nice and hot before adding the remaining filets.)

When the first batch is done, remove the filets to a serving platter and keep warm (uncovered) in a 200 degree oven while you fry the remaining fish.  When they are done transfer to the platter and serve!