Cajun Blackened Tilapia
This recipe delivers a fiery and flavorful Cajun Blackened Tilapia experience. The combination of spices creates a beautiful crust while keeping the fish moist and tender. Serve with your favorite gluten-free sides for a complete meal.
25 min
Total Time
4
Servings
easy
Difficulty
15 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz each Tilapia fillets
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp White pepper
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 4 Lemon wedges
- 1 tbsp Optional: Chopped parsley
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, white pepper, and salt. This is your blackened seasoning.
- 2
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the seasoning to adhere and create a good crust.
- 3
Brush both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil.
- 4
Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning mixture over both sides of each tilapia fillet, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- 5
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot. This is key to achieving the blackened effect.
- 6
Add the butter (or dairy-free alternative) to the hot skillet. It should melt quickly and sizzle.
- 7
Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The seasoning should be blackened and slightly charred.
- 8
Remove the tilapia from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges and chopped parsley (optional).
- 9
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- •Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
- •A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for achieving the best blackened crust. If you don't have one, use a heavy-bottomed skillet.
- •Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the fish. This will help create the blackened effect and prevent the fish from sticking.
Recipe Variations
- →Try adding different herbs for variety.
- →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.