How to Cook Frozen Tilapia on the Stove

Frozen tilapia is a great way to enjoy fish at home for an affordable price. It is incredibly easy to make as well and you don't need many ingredients for it. Here is how to cook frozen tilapia on the stove.

Can You Cook Frozen Tilapia?

Yes, you can cook frozen tilapia in the oven, frying pan, or in an air fryer. It is ideal to thaw frozen tilapia in cold water before you cook it to ensure it cooks evenly.

Do You Need to Thaw Tilapia Before Cooking it?

While you don't have to thaw tilapia before you cook it in the oven or deep fryer, or with any other method, it is a good idea. If you cook the tilapia frozen, its cooking time will be approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed, but cooking it this way will be safe.

How to Cook Thawed Frozen Tilapia

One of the best ways to thaw frozen tilapia is by leaving it in the fridge until it's completely thawed. However, if you're crunched for time, you can remove it from its package, place it on a plate, and place it under cool running water until thawed.

If you thaw it using the fridge method, it will take about 12 hours for the frozen tilapia to be thawed. However, for the running water method, it will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour until thawed.

Where to Buy Frozen Tilapia

You can find frozen tilapia almost in every supermarket in the USA and Canada. It is also available in Walmart stores and online at Amazon.

Here are some of the best frozen tilapia brands:

• Joedot Tilapia Loins
• Joedot Farmed Tilapia Fillets
• FRESH FISH Fresh Tilapia Fillet
• Great Value Frozen Whole Tilapia

Ingredients You Will Need

• 4 skinless, frozen tilapia loins (about 5 ounces each), or any other brands
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Cook Frozen Tilapia on the Stove

1. Rinse the frozen tilapia under running water until thawed.
2. Place on a cutting board and season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Heat 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet.
4. Place the tilapia in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until golden brown; turn the tilapia and continue cooking for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.

How Long to Cook Tilapia From Frozen on the Stove

Frying tilapia from frozen on the stove will take between 10 and 15 minutes, about 5 minutes to 6 minutes on each side. However, thawed tilapia will take between 6 and 8 minutes, or 3 to 4 minutes on each side.

What to Serve With Fried Tilapia

Tilapia is a very nutritious fish that you can serve with several different dishes. Usually, they serve tilapia with some air-fried fries, or with mashed potatoes. Also, you can serve fried tilapia with corn salad or fried rice. If you are preparing a quick lunch you can serve fried tilapia with yum yum sauce or tartar sauce.

Here is a list of side dish ideas to serve with tilapia:

• Jasmine Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Corn Casserole
• Risotto
• Mac & Cheese
• Baked French Fries
• Roasted Potatoes
• Lemon Rice
• Cucumber and Carrot Salad
• Zucchini Fritters
• Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

How to Cook Frozen Tilapia on the Stove

Yield: 4 fillets

Prep Time: 1 minute

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

Frozen tilapia is a great way to enjoy fish at home for an affordable price. It is incredibly easy to make as well and you don’t need many ingredients for it. Here is how to cook frozen tilapia on the stove.

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Ingredients

• 4 skinless, frozen tilapia loins (about 5 ounces each), or any other brands
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the frozen tilapia under running water until thawed. 
2. Place on a cutting board and season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Heat 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet.
4. Place the tilapia in the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until golden brown; turn the tilapia and continue cooking for another 3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dish.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 283Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 241mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 45g