About: Tilapia Blackened Recipe

If you are in search of a fast, delicious, and restaurant quality fish dish, then we would highly recommend this Tilapia Blackened Recipe! Blackened tilapia, with its smoky cajun spice rub and crispy seared crust, is not only delicious on a clean plate with a side of your facies but is also a super healthy weeknight dinner idea.

Made with simple ingredients, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes and is amazing alongside rice, roasted veggies or a salad. If you’re new to cooking fish, or if you’re looking for a different way to prepare tilapia, the following will show you how to make blackened tilapia fish right from your own home.

What is Blackened Tilapia?

“Blackening” is a cooking method that gained fame in Cajun and Creole cooking. A mixture of melted butter, fresh herbs, and spices is applied to the fish before it’s seared in a scorching-hot pan or on a grill, resulting in a beautifully browned and savory exterior.

  • Blackened tilapia has:
  • A crispy, smoky crust.
  • Juicy, tender inside.
  • Bold Cajun-inspired flavors.

What You Need In This Tilapia Blackened Recipe

To prepare this easy fish recipe, you’ll need:

  • 4 fillets tilapia (fresh or thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Blackened Tilapia – Step by Step

Prepare the Spice Mix

Mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. That’s your homemade blackening seasoning.

Season the Fish

Dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels. Brush fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Rub both sides generously with the spice rub.

Cook the Tilapia

Lightly grease the surface of a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan and heat over medium-high flame.

Add a little oil.

Add the fillets to the pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle fresh lemon juice on top and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.

What to Serve With Blackened Tilapia

  • This dish pairs well with:
  • Steamed rice or garlic butter rice
  • Roasted vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, asparagus)
  • Fresh green salad
  • Mashed potatoes or coleslaw
  • For a healthier alternative use quinoa or couscous

Tips for Making the Best Blackened Tilapia

  • For best flavor and crunch, it’s hard to beat a cast-iron skillet.
  • Do not overcrowd your pan – do garlic bread in batches if you need to.
  • Taste and adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired heat level (mild or extra hot).
  • For something richer, feel free to substitute butter for the olive oil.
  • For a better sear, always dry the fish thoroughly with a paper towel before adding seasoning.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I bake blackened tilapia?

Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked.

Q2. Can I substitute another fish for tilapia?

Absolutely! You can make this recipe with catfish, cod, salmon, mahi-mahi, halibut or snapper.

Q3. Is blackened tilapia healthy?

Yes. Tilapia is also high in protein and a great source of vitamins and minerals. It adds flavor without fat.

Q4. Is blackened tilapia meal prep friendly?

Yes. Cook, and then refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in a skillet.

Nutrition (per serving – 1 fillet)

  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Tilapia Blackened Recipe is the uncanny to healthy, tasty and easy-peasy. Restaurant-quality Cajun-style blackened fish with just a few pantry spices and fresh tilapia.

Serve this up for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep – your family is going to love this blackening fish recipe.

👉 Make this recipe tonight for a fast, hot and tasty tilapia dinner!

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