This spicy blackened tilapia recipe is ready in minutes! The seasoning and sautéing of this dish combine to make a delicious, tender fish.
Any white fish will work for this recipe - it's incredibly easy to make and has loads of flavor.
You can make your own blackening seasoning blend or purchase a ready-made one.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Tilapia is a super mild fish that even people who don't like fish will enjoy. It's easy to cook, hard to mess up, and has a wonderful flaky texture.
The blackened tilapia saves well in the refrigerator for several days and reheats easily in the oven or on the stovetop, making it a great meal prep option.
What You'll Need to Make Blackened Tilapia
Tilapia - You'll need 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets. Tilapia is a mild, white, freshwater fish that's easy to cook and pairs well with many kinds of flavors. It cooks quickly, making it a great option for weeknight cooking.
Blackening Seasoning - You'll need 2 tablespoons of blackening seasoning to coat the fish.
Vegetable Oil - You can use any kind of vegetable oil to cook the fish in - you'll need 2 tablespoons of corn, canola, or safflower oil.
Optional Topping - I recommend making the avocado tomato mixture but you certainly don't have to if you've got another side dish or topping you'd like to use! You'll need 1 avocado, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
What is Blackening Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning, or blackened seasoning, is similar to Cajun or Creole seasoning and has a little spicy kick to it (although you can change this according to your tastes).
Blackening seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that are used to blacken fish or meat in a preparation method that involves a hot pan, some oil or butter, and cooking the protein till it develops a blackened crust. It's a popular style of cooking in Cajun cuisine.
It's got a base of paprika, onion, garlic and usually has cayenne or chili powder.
More Fish Recipes to Try
If you like fish and seafood recipes, then try some of our other favorites!
- Crispy Baked Haddock - a parmesan and panko topped white fish
- Barramundi with Mango Slaw - a tender white fish with a tropical slaw
- Coconut Crusted Tilapia - a flavorful and tender fish with a crispy coconut topping
- Baked Salmon with Lemon - easy baked salmon in aluminum foil
Tips for Making this Recipe
Cooking Tips - Don't overcrowd your pan, depending on the size of your tilapia fillets, you may need to cook fish in two batches. You can make your own blackening seasoning blend as well!
Recommended Side Dishes - Serve this fish alongside some delicious vegetable side dishes - like Roasted Broccolini, Crispy Roasted Sunchokes, Grilled Asparagus Recipe, or The Easiest Green Salad.
Storing Tips - This recipe will store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Connect with us on Instagram and share your photos or leave us a rating.
Blackened Tilapia
These delicious and lightly spicy blackened tilapia fillets are a quick and easy main dish.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Avocado Tomato Topping
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Rub the tilapia fillets with the blackening seasoning on both sides.
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the tilapia fillets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, till flaky and the crust is golden brown.
- For the optional topping - combine the avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and sea salt in a bowl. Then top the fillets with a few scoops of the avocado tomato topping.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 2909mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 4gSugar: 1gProtein: 46g