Fried Tilapia African style
Fried Tilapia African style is a easy African recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by LA CUISINE D’AMA on YouTube.
Prep: 18 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $10.60 total, $2.65 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Tilapia fillets (cut into large pieces, skin removed if desired)
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 0.5 tablespoon Garlic powder (or 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon‑pepper blend
- 0.5 tablespoon Mild chili powder (Mayom) (African spice, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Hot chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 quarter Fresh onion (peeled and sliced)
- 2 cup Vegetable oil (for frying, high smoke point)
- 1 piece Egg (beaten, to coat the fish)
- 2 tablespoon All‑purpose flour (for the light coating)
Instructions
Cut the tilapia and make slits
Cut each tilapia fillet into three large pieces. On each piece, make small parallel slits on both sides to allow the spices to penetrate evenly.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the spice mix
In a bowl, combine the onion powder, salt, garlic powder, lemon‑pepper blend, mild chili powder, curry, hot chili powder and the sliced fresh onion.
Time: PT3M
Season the fish
Sprinkle the spice mix over the tilapia pieces, then gently massage with clean hands, working the spices into the slits.
Time: PT5M
Chill (optional)
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours so the spices infuse the fish.
Time: PT2H
Heat oil and add onion
Pour the vegetable oil into the pan, heat over medium‑high heat until 180 °C, then add the sliced fresh onion. Let it brown lightly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare the egg‑flour coating
In a small bowl, beat the egg then add the all‑purpose flour. Quickly dip each piece of fish in this mixture before placing it in the pan.
Time: PT2M
Fry the tilapia
Place the tilapia pieces in the hot oil. Fry 5‑6 minutes on each side, or until the surface is golden and the flesh flakes easily. Turn gently with tongs.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 180°C
Drain and serve
Remove the fish with tongs and place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot, accompanied by spicy tomato sauce or lemon.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: pescatarian, lactose‑free, can be gluten‑free if flour is omitted, low-carb, low-calorie
Allergens: fish, egg, gluten
Last updated: April 7, 2026






