Pan-seared fish fillet

Here’s a simple, restaurant-style pan-seared fish fillet you can make tonight in about 10 minutes. 🐟🔥

Ingredients

• 1 fish fillet (tilapia, cod, basa, or any white fish)
• Salt & black pepper
• 1–2 tbsp oil or butter
• 1 garlic clove (optional)
• ½ lemon
• Optional: paprika or chili flakes

Steps

1. Pat the fish dry
   Use paper towel so the fish is dry—this helps create a good crust.
2. Season
   Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a little paprika or chili flakes.
3. Heat the pan
   Heat oil in a pan on medium-high heat until hot.
4. Cook the fish
   • Place fish presentation side down first.
   • Cook 3–4 minutes without moving it so it forms a golden crust.
5. Flip and finish
   • Turn the fillet gently.
   • Add butter and garlic if you like.
   • Cook another 2–3 minutes.
6. Add lemon
   Squeeze fresh lemon over the fish right before serving. 🍋

Quick chef tip

If the fish has skin, cook skin side down for about 70–80% of the time so it becomes crispy.

Easy sides for tonight

• Garlic rice
• Sautéed vegetables
• Crispy smashed potatoes
• Simple salad

If you want, I can also show you a 1-minute trick that prevents fish from sticking to the pan (most people cook it wrong). 🧑‍🍳🐟