To begin making pan-fried tilapia, prepare 2 shallow bowls for your liquid and solid mixtures. In the first bowl, beat your egg and milk together and season with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, combine panko and seasoned breadcrumbs. (If you don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs on hand, add seasonings of your choice such as garlic powder and dried herbs).
Next, dip the Tilapia in your liquid mixture, making sure each filet is fully coated
Transfer the coated filets into the breadcrumb mixture, lightly pressing each side of the tilapia filet into the mixture
Next, heat a few tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat. Add tilapia to the pan, making sure the oil bubbles around the filets when added. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until slightly golden brown. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like tartar sauce, or simply a squeeze of fresh lemon