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Simple Pan-fried Fish with Indian Spices

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fish fillets (Swai, Tilapia, Catfish, Orange Roughy, etc.)
  • 1 Tbsp paprika (approx)
  • 1 Tbsp cumin (approx)
  • 1 tsp turmeric (approx)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil
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Simple Pan-fried Fish with Indian Spices

Time: 3 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook
Servings: 4
 

Directions

  1. Heat the oil in a large frying or saute pan.
  2. Meanwhile liberally sprinkle the paprika and cumin on both sides of the fish fillets, while less liberally sprinkling the turmeric. Then sprinkle both sides with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. When the oil is hot, add the fish to the pan and cover. Cook for 2 minutes on a side, then flip and cover again and cook an additional 2 minutes on the other side. If the fillets are thick, cut in the thick part with a night to check if the fish is white and flaky on the inside. If the fish is still pink or translucent in the thickest part, continue cooking for approximately 2 more minutes, flipping back to the other side for the last minute.
  4. Serve over or next to rice with a vegetable.
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Summary

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20 votes | 167730 views

This is a simple dish I throw together with fresh white fish fillets (typically Swai, Tilapia, Catfish, or Orange Roughy). It's easy to make and our whole family loves it. I know it seems crazy to give this four and a half stars, but it's a really great combination of flavors. Try this with rice and a vegetable side dish or salad, and you won't be disappointed!

Reviews

  • Nancy Miyasaki
    November 5, 2012
    I was a little frustrated when John threw this together last minute with no recipe and our kids raved about how they liked it better than other tilapia recipes I've cooked. That said, I have to agree that this is a really nice mix of spices and makes for a very easy pan fried fish.
    I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
    1 person likes this review
    2 replies
    • November 6, 2012
      I've tried something similar with Tilapia. Anxious to use this recipe. Never used the turmeric on fish. Sounds good though (and it certainly is easy)
      6 replies
      • Lillian Grace
        November 14, 2012
        Hi John, tried this last night with fresh sea bass. Changed the tumeric to curry powder and only used half tablespoon of cumin, but added some red pepper flakes. Served with raisin and cilantro rice...yummy. Thanks for sharing.
        We made this again tonight, (May/15) with sea bass (that's all we can get here) and changed the flavor. We used a coffee ancho chili powder rub, and cooked the fillets a full 6 minutes, served this with sweet potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked and the sweet potatoes with some butter and salt and pepper went well together.
        I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
        1 person likes this review
        9 replies
        • John Spottiswood
          November 14, 2012
          Sounds delicious, Lillian. I'll try a variation like this in the future.
        • November 24, 2012
          I made this recipe using Swai & it was delicious! Definitely one of my favorites.
          I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
          1 person likes this review
          2 replies
          • Chris
            May 3, 2014
            The fish was awesome! Tender & juicy! Will definitely make this again.
            I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
            1 person likes this review
            10 replies
            • Bonnie Loubier
              February 24, 2015
              ENJOYED VERY MUCH WITH TILAPIA. ITS PROBABLY VERY GOOD WITH CATFISH AS WELL.
              I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
              1 person likes this review
              • Dayna Bunting
                August 8, 2015
                Did not have turmeric so used a bit of Jamaican curry instead & it turned out good! And I am not the biggest fish fan either, so that's saying a lot!
                I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
                1 person likes this review
                1 reply
                • Maria Corrons
                  November 18, 2015
                  I made this last night with Orange Roughy and it was delicious! The combination of spices did the trick
                  I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
                  1 person likes this review
                  1 reply
                  • Karla
                    December 1, 2015
                    I sprinkled each of the spices (except salt) on 2 Tilapia's coated in Mediterranean Oil (Costco) and baked for 9 minutes at 425 degrees...Served it with steamed brocolli and wild rice. It was excellent.
                    I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
                    This is a variation
                    1 person likes this review
                    12 replies
                    • Margo - missingtx78
                      October 23, 2017
                      This is delicious John. Thank you for sharing. I never thought to add cumin, the spice blend is absolutely perfect. Love it with rice and vegetables
                      I've cooked/tasted this recipe!
                      1 person likes this review
                      4 replies

                      Comments

                      • Sharon Fink
                        May 12, 2017
                        Sounds good, so I am going to try it tonight!
                        • Smokinhotchef
                          September 29, 2015
                          I like the implement of the Indian spice combination. I can wait to try this with some couscous and a vegetable tagine!!! Thanks for sharing.
                          1 reply
                          • John Spottiswood
                            September 29, 2015
                            Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoy it!
                          • ShaleeDP
                            December 18, 2012
                            My kid enjoys fish. She loves it. So I try to find different ways to cook them. This is one I could use too. Thanks for sharing.