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Home » Recipes

Quick and Easy Za'atar Spiced Tilapia

Feb 17, 2019Last Modified: March 5, 2022

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This page may contain affiliate links. So, I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about delicious Za'atar Spiced Tilapia!

Tilapia With Za'atar garnished with parsley, pieces of pita bread, and hummus on a white plate with salad on a white plate behind the plate with the tilapia
Jump to:
  • What is Za'atar?
  • Let's Make Some Za'atar Spiced Tilapia!
  • Recommendations For Serving Za'atar Spiced Tilapia
  • Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!
  • Quick and Easy Za'atar Spiced Tilapia

What is Za'atar?

Za'atar is both an herb, as well as a spice mix. As an herb, it is native to the Middle East and the scientific name is Origanum syriacum. It is also the same as the biblical hyssop.

As a spice mix, the mix can vary depending upon what country it is from, according to flavor preference. However, it generally contains thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes sumac.

Za'atar pronounced “zah-tar,” is a supremely aromatic and fragrant spice blend.  It's great mixed into hummus, as well as combined with a good quality olive oil to make a dipping sauce for pita bread. It's also perfect to season tilapia!

Bottle of McCormick Za'atar and some za'atar in a white dish
#26 Za'atar

I am very fond of the za'atar that I purchased from my local grocery store, by McCormick. This organic seasoning contains thyme and oregano, sesame seed, lemon peel, and salt. This is a great option or feel free to use your favorite za'atar for this recipe. But most importantly, try seasoning some tilapia with this awesome spice blend you'll love it!

Let's Make Some Za'atar Spiced Tilapia!

Za'atar is a wonderful seasoning for seafood. Therefore, I decided to try it with tilapia. This dish is incredibly simple, quick, and delicately flavored. Consequently you can really enjoy the flavors of the Za'atar and the tilapia.

What Ingredients Do I Need For This Dish?

All you will need to make this Za'atar Spiced Tilapia is:

  • Tilapia fillets or loins
  • Za'atar
  • Olive oil
  • Pinch of salt (if desired)
  • Italian parsley as garnish

How To Make The Perfect Pan Fried Tilapia Seasoned With Za'atar

Making this dish takes less than 10 minutes and is super simple!

You basically season the tilapia liberally with the za'atar, and then pan fry in olive oil. To take this dish to the next level, please be sure to do the following:

  • Take the tilapia out of your fridge approximately 1 hr before cooking.
  • Try to remove as much moisture from the fish as you can by patting it dry with paper towels.
  • Recommendation is to use a well seasoned cast iron pan if you have it.
  • Be sure to get your pan and oil HOT before adding the tilapia.
  • After placing the tilapia in your hot pan, try not to disturb it for at least 2 minutes. Then, very gently use a spatula to see if the tilapia gives, moves easily and is not sticking to the pan. That is the point at which you want to turn it to fry the other side.
Browned and Cooked Tilapia With Za'atar in a cast iron pan

If you follow these tips, you should get a fantastic result! The tilapia will be nice and browned and won't stick to your pan and fall apart!

While cooking, please take time to inhale the aromatic Za'atar. And practice pronouncing Za'atar ("zah-tar") until it just rolls off the tongue. 😃

Recommendations For Serving Za'atar Spiced Tilapia

Tilapia With Za'atar garnished with parsley, pieces of pita bread, and hummus on a white plate with salad on a white plate behind the plate with the tilapia

We enjoyed the Za'atar Spiced Tilapia with warmed pita bread and hummus. This meal was simple, quick, and absolutely delicious!

Pearled couscous would also be a wonderful accompaniment to this fish!

In conclusion, I hope you will try this Za'atar Spiced Tilapia soon. Enjoy this taste of the Middle East tonight!

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Incredible Middle Eastern Pizza - Lahmajoun

Lahmajoun

The BEST Kimchi Pizza!

Kimchi Pizza

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Cheers!

Grace

Tilapia With Za'atar garnished with parsley, pieces of pita bread, and hummus on a white plate with salad on a white plate behind the plate with the tilapia

Quick and Easy Za'atar Spiced Tilapia

Grace
Bring a taste of the Middle East to your table with this delicately spiced Za'atar tilapia.  Serve with pearled couscous or pita bread, hummus, and salad for an easy, delicious, and light meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 9 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle East
Servings 3 servings
Calories 467 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast iron pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb tilapia fillets or loins
  • 1 tablespoon Za'atar more if needed (just be sure to liberally season both sides of the fish)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • pinch salt to taste (if desired)
  • 2 tablespoon parsley minced, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Remove the tilapia from your fridge and allow to rest at room temperature for around 1 hr prior to cooking. Pat the tilapia dry with paper towels trying to remove as much moisture as you can.
  • Heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil (med high) in your cast iron pan being sure to coat the entire pan with the oil. Liberally season both sides of the 1 lb of tilapia filets or loins with the Za'atar spice.  
    Uncooked Tilapia With Za'atar on a white plate
  • Add the seasoned tilapia to the pan, and pan fry until the tilapia gives and shifts easily. Try to give it around 2 minutes before you move the fish. If it sticks, leave it for another 30 seconds and try again then. Only turn the fish once it moves easily (keep trying every 30 seconds until you get the desired result). Repeat with the other side of the fish.
    Browned and Cooked Tilapia With Za'atar in a cast iron pan
  • Add minced parsley to garnish, and a pinch of salt to taste (if desired).
    Tilapia With Za'atar garnished with parsley, pieces of pita bread, and hummus on a white plate

Notes

Serve this Za'atar Spiced Tilapia with pearled couscous (Near East Pearled Couscous is a good and quick option), or warmed pita bread and hummus.  Add a side salad for a delicious, quick, and light meal, and enjoy a taste of the Middle East!

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 92gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 243mgPotassium: 1447mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 826IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 132mgIron: 8mg
Keyword Fish, tilapia, za'atar
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About Me

Hi I’m Grace! I'm married and a mom to my fur baby, Toby, and food and travel are two of my greatest passions! Since our bank account does not allow us to travel or eat out as much as we'd like, I decided I would cook delicious meals that could give us a taste of all the places we'd like to go. My goal is to get you in the kitchen, and inspire you to cook and taste delightful meals that will transport you too. Let’s throw some actual travel in from time to time, all with an emphasis on keeping your wallet full and happy as well. Let’s get cooking and let’s start exploring!! I'm excited to be on this journey with you!!

By the way most of these recipes are Toby taste tested and Toby approved!!

Chief Taste Tester Toby

Toby Chief Taste Tester

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