Are you craving that delicious, flaky tilapia you remember from Golden Corral? Forget the buffet line and the crowds! This recipe lets you recreate that same amazing flavor at home, easily and quickly. It’s a perfect example of how delicious, healthy meals can also be incredibly simple to prepare. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea that the whole family will love. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 (4-6 ounce) tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tilapia
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
Step 2: Create the Seasoned Flour
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Tilapia
Dredge each tilapia fillet in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
Step 4: Sear the Tilapia
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the tilapia fillets in the skillet.
Step 5: Cook the Tilapia
Cook the tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Add Lemon Juice
Pour the lemon juice into the skillet and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This simple dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tilapia:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the tilapia in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick!
- Check for doneness: Use a food thermometer to ensure the tilapia is cooked through to avoid undercooking.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but dill or chives also work well.
Variations:
- Lemon-Herb Butter: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (dill, thyme, or oregano) to the butter before cooking.
- Spicy Tilapia: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the flour mixture.
- Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the tilapia during the last minute of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This Golden Corral inspired tilapia recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen! It's a delicious dish that highlights the best of easy recipes and homemade cooking, offering a healthy meal option that's quick to prepare. This is truly one of the best recipes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.