Tasted

Cajun Honey Orange Tilapia

By Elizabeth Ciobanu ·

Punchy and mildly sweet with a crisp coating, these tilapia fillets are sure to please even the pickiest palates.

Prep
10 min
Cook
6 min
Total
1 hr 16 min
Makes
4-5 tilapia filets

Ingredients

  • 4-5 tilapia loins, thawed if frozen
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • Zest and juice from 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter, for frying
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat or white flour, for dredging

Instructions

  1. Place thawed tilapia loins in a glass dish or plastic bag large enough to hold the marinade.
  2. Add in the honey, orange zest and juice, Cajun seasoning, a few twists of fresh ground pepper, and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, up to 12 hours.
  4. Preheat a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil and another tablespoon of butter until it's sizzling hot.
  5. Put 1/2 cup of flour in a shallow dish with another pinch of salt and a few twists of fresh-ground black pepper.
  6. Dip each tilapia loin in the dredging flour and coat thoroughly with the flour mixture before placing in the hot skillet.
  7. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side. The flesh will become white and opaque rather than slightly translucent when fully cooked. Thicker loins will require slightly more cooking time.
  8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can fry these in olive oil for a dairy-free option. I prefer to use both oil and butter for the flavor and better browning.
  • The whole wheat flour for dredging gives the fish a nice nutty, crunchy coating. White flour will give a smoother texture.
  • I like to use a steep-sided skillet to reduce splattering hot oil.
  • For a tangier, less sweet rendition of this recipe, use a lime or a lemon instead of an orange.
  • For a stronger kick of spice, increase the Cajun seasoning to 1 full teaspoon.