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Blackened Tilapia Recipe

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3.8 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Description

This Blackened Tilapia recipe offers a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic white fish, utilizing a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and other aromatic spices. Cooked using multiple methods—oven baking, broiling, or stovetop searing—this dish delivers a crispy, seasoned crust while maintaining tender, flaky fish inside. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal, it’s accented with lime wedges for a fresh citrusy finish.

Ingredients

Seasoning

  • 1 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp brown sugar (packed)

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb tilapia fillets
  • 3-4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2-4 wedges of lime (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter: In a wide, shallow bowl, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid for coating the fish.
  2. Prepare Seasoning: Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar in a bowl. Spread the mixed seasoning evenly onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and access.
  3. Dry Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
  4. Coat Fish: Dip each fish fillet in melted butter on both sides, allowing excess butter to drip off. Place the fillet onto the seasoning spread on the sheet and gently pat to evenly coat both sides. Repeat for all fillets.
  5. Prepare Skillet: Pour any leftover melted butter into a cast iron skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking.
  6. Choose Cooking Method: You may cook the fish in the oven, under the broiler, or on the stovetop. Follow the corresponding directions below.
  7. Oven Cooking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and heat the empty cast iron skillet inside for a few minutes. Carefully remove the hot skillet and add the seasoned fish fillets. Bake for 12-13 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
  8. Broiler Cooking: Preheat the broiler to high and position the oven rack so the skillet will be 6-8 inches from the broiler element. Preheat the skillet in the oven for a few minutes, then remove and add the fish fillets. Reduce the broiler to low and cook the fish for 6-8 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Stovetop Cooking: Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the seasoned fish fillets and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until nicely blackened and cooked through.
  10. Serve: Remove fish from the skillet and serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top to add a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

  • Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a better crust.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level.
  • Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and a good blackened crust.
  • Watch carefully when broiling to prevent burning due to high heat.
  • Butter adds rich flavor but can be substituted with oil for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/blackened-tilapia-recipe/