10+ Stove Top Tilapia Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

10+ Stove Top Tilapia Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

ByCook Fanatic Team Reading Time: 9 minutes

Cooking tilapia on the stove top is a quick and easy way to enjoy this tasty fish. You can create flavorful and satisfying meals in just a matter of minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. These recipes will guide you in preparing tilapia with simple ingredients that enhance its natural taste.

A fillet of tilapia sizzling in a non-stick skillet on a gas stove, surrounded by a sprinkle of herbs and a drizzle of olive oil

With various seasonings and cooking methods, stove top tilapia can suit any palate. From a classic lemon butter sauce to a spicy garlic flavor, there are countless ways to prepare this dish, allowing you to enjoy it in different styles throughout the week.

1) Pan-Seared Tilapia with Lemon Butter

A sizzling tilapia fillet searing in a hot pan, surrounded by bubbling lemon butter and aromatic herbs

Pan-seared tilapia with lemon butter is a quick and tasty dish. The fish cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals. The lemon butter sauce adds a nice tang to the flaky fish.

To make this meal, start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown.

Next, add butter and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Let it melt, then drizzle the sauce over the fish. Garnish with parsley if desired for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add tilapia fillets and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Stir in butter and lemon juice until melted.
  4. Drizzle sauce over tilapia and garnish with parsley.

2) Garlic Herb Tilapia in a Skillet

A skillet sizzling with garlic herb tilapia, surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon slices on a stovetop

Garlic herb tilapia is a delicious and easy meal you can prepare in no time. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Start by seasoning your tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.

In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant.

Next, place the tilapia in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Finish by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season tilapia with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Place tilapia in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

3) Spicy Cajun Tilapia

A sizzling tilapia fillet coated in Cajun spices cooks in a hot skillet on the stove top. Steam rises as the fish turns golden and aromatic

Spicy Cajun tilapia is a delicious way to bring some heat to your dinner table. This recipe is quick and easy, making it great for busy evenings. The tilapia fillets absorb the zesty flavors of Cajun seasoning, garlic, and a little salt.

You can cook this dish on the stovetop in just a few minutes. Simply heat some oil in a skillet, add the seasoned fish, and cook until it’s flaky. It’s perfect served with rice or veggies.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the tilapia fillets with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  3. Add the tilapia to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Remove from the skillet and serve hot.

4) Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce

A sizzling tilapia fillet is being cooked in a skillet, while a creamy lemon sauce is being poured over it

This tilapia recipe is simple and tasty. The creamy lemon sauce adds a bright, zesty flavor that really enhances the fish. You can whip it up in about 20 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner.

Start by seasoning your tilapia fillets. Sear them in a hot skillet until they’re flaky and cooked through.

In the same pan, you can make the creamy sauce with garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of cream.

The combination of the flaky fish and the rich sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
  2. Season the tilapia with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the tilapia for 3-4 minutes on each side until flaky.
  4. Remove the fish and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in cream and lemon juice; cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Serve sauce over tilapia and enjoy!

5) Quick Lemon Pepper Tilapia

A sizzling tilapia fillet seasoned with lemon pepper cooks in a hot skillet on a stove top

This Quick Lemon Pepper Tilapia is a tasty dish that you can whip up in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal in about 15 minutes.

Start with fresh tilapia filets. Season them with lemon pepper seasoning, garlic salt, and a little olive oil for that perfect flavor.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tilapia for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s flaky and cooked through.

The bright lemon notes make this dish light and refreshing. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a delicious dinner.

Ingredients

  • 5 tilapia fillets
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the tilapia with lemon pepper and garlic salt.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the tilapia for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  4. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

6) Simple Olive Oil Tilapia

A fillet of tilapia sizzling in a pan with olive oil, surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon slices

This Simple Olive Oil Tilapia recipe is quick and easy. You will enjoy how tasty it is with just a few basic ingredients.

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C). Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel.

Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Carefully place the fish in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The fish should be golden brown and flaky when done.

For extra flavor, you can add lemon juice or fresh herbs. Serve it warm with your favorite side dishes for a delightful meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tilapia fillets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Optional: lemon juice or fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
  2. Pat tilapia fillets dry.
  3. Season fillets with salt and pepper.
  4. Place fillets in the skillet.
  5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and flaky.
  6. Serve with lemon juice or herbs, if desired.

7) Skillet Tilapia with Garlic Salt

A sizzling skillet with seasoned tilapia cooking on a stove top

Making skillet tilapia with garlic salt is quick and delicious. This recipe highlights the mild flavor of the tilapia while adding the savory taste of garlic. You only need a few simple ingredients.

Start by seasoning the tilapia fillets with garlic salt. This will enhance the fish’s natural flavor without being overwhelming.

Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fillets in the skillet.

Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it flakes easily with a fork. You can serve it with your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the tilapia fillets with garlic salt.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add olive oil to the skillet.
  4. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

8) Tilapia with Dried Basil and Parsley

A fillet of tilapia sizzling in a skillet, sprinkled with dried basil and parsley, surrounded by a variety of colorful vegetables

For a simple yet flavorful dish, try cooking tilapia with dried basil and parsley. These herbs add a nice touch to the fish, making it tasty and fragrant.

Start by seasoning your tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of dried basil and parsley.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Season the tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, basil, and parsley.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
  3. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

9) Smoky Paprika Tilapia

A fillet of tilapia sizzling in a pan, coated in a smoky paprika seasoning

This Smoky Paprika Tilapia is sure to enhance your weeknight dinners. The smoky flavor from paprika adds a rich taste to the tilapia filets. This recipe is easy to make and can be ready in a short time.

Start by mixing olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over your tilapia filets. Let the filets sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cook the tilapia on a stove over medium heat. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia filets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  2. Brush the mixture over both sides of the tilapia filets.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Cook filets for 3-4 minutes on each side until fish flakes easily.

10) Tilapia with Lemon Pepper Seasoning

A tilapia fillet sizzling in a hot skillet, sprinkled with lemon pepper seasoning, surrounded by fresh herbs and slices of lemon

This lemon pepper tilapia recipe is simple and full of flavor. You will love how quickly you can make it on your stovetop. Just grab your tilapia filets and some easy seasoning.

Start by patting the tilapia dry. Then, coat the filets with lemon pepper seasoning and a bit of garlic powder.

Heat a skillet over medium heat with some oil.

Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This dish pairs well with veggies or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tilapia filets
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Pat the tilapia filets dry.

  2. Coat the filets with lemon pepper and garlic powder.

  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).

  4. Cook the tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side. Make sure to cook until golden brown and cooked through.

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