Spicy Blackened Tilapia

A fillet of blackened tilapia on a plate.

This blackened tilapia has just the right amount of spice and is big on flavor. Don't mistake the word 'blackened' for burnt. The cajun spices get a lovely dark caramelized color as the fish cooks. This is an easy and quick dinner that will quickly become a favorite.

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 8

Total Time: 18

Servings: servings

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

For the blackened seasoning

5 teaspoons sweet paprika
1 tablespoon dried garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano crumbled
2 teaspoons dried thyme crumbled
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne a pinch more if you like it spicier
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

For the tilapia

4 7 to 8-ounce tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

For the seasoning mix

Stir together the paprika, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, cayenne, and pepper in a wide dish.

For the blackened tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and coat them in oil.
Sprinkle the blackened seasoning on both sides of the tilapia, pressing it into the fillets.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
When the skillet is hot, add 2 tilapia fillets (if your skillet is large enough you can put them all in the skillet, just don't overcrowd them).
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side then transfer to a serving platter.

Notes

Most tilapia fillets are fairly thin and cook quickly. Our tilapia only needed 2 minutes per side. If you have slightly thicker fillets, cook them a bit longer.

Recommended Products

Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5 Inch (Pack of 1)

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