Yes! A good rule of thumb is to pat your tilapia dry with paper towels before searing. Moisture on the surface acts as a barrier, preventing the hot pan from directly contacting the fish, which is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden sear, flavorful seasoning crust, and even oil distribution. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSo, dry is the way to go for perfectly pan-seared tilapia!