Blackened Tilapia is a great fish recipe that is easy-to-make and can be ready for dinner in about 15 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal. A homemade blackened seasoning with Cajun flavors is sprinkled all over fresh tilapia filets. They are pan fried for about 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. They turn out beautifully “blackened” on the outside and flaky and tender on the inside.
This recipe for Blackened Tilapia is very similar to this Cajun Salmon if you prefer to eat or already have salmon!
We LOVE all the Cajun flavors here at Mom’s Dinner. Some of our favorites to try are Cajun Rice, Red Beans and Rice, Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta, and Skillet Dirty Rice and Beans.
Ingredients
If you have a well stocked spice cabinet you can probably make these Blackened Tilapia Filets for dinner. Pictured are the things you need:
Tilapia: Even if you don’t like fish you might like tilapia! It is a very mild-tasting fish that I sometimes say tastes like really tender chicken! It is a nice flaky fish when it is cooked to 145 degrees internal temp. If you love tilapia definitely also check out this Parmesan Tilapia Recipe.
Smoked Paprika: There are quite a few different varieties of paprika. For this recipe, and to keep with those Cajun flavors, I HIGHLY recommend using smoked paprika! It is also a key ingredient in our Homemade Cajun Seasoning.
Oregano and Thyme: add notes of fresh herbs to a very savory seasoning mix.
Brown Sugar: adds a little sweetness as well as balances the salty/savory flavor of the blackened spice mix.
Cumin: is a very warm spice that is used in a lot of southern style and Mexican cuisine. It blends perfectly in this recipe.
Cayenne Pepper: add a little or a lot for extra spice.
Thawing Frozen Tilapia Filets
If you purchased frozen tilapia there are two options for thawing:
Overnight: Remove them from any packaging they were purchased in and place them in a pan in the fridge and let them thaw overnight.
Quick Thaw: Place the frozen tilapia filets in their packaging or in Ziploc baggies in a bowl of room temp water, leave for 10-15 minutes. Replace the water and let sit an additional 10-15 minutes. Repeat until they are thawed.
Serving
This blackened fish is great served with Cajun Rice and Roasted Broccoli or if you are short on time you can always get an easy store-bought box of dirty rice or red beans & rice.
Also serve some Cajun Aioli, Homemade Tartar Sauce or Jalapeno Tartar Sauce on the side and a few lime or lemon wedges. Add a green veggie and your dinner plate is complete.
Recipe Tips
Follow these tips to make sure this Blackened Tilapia recipe turns out perfectly!
- Use quality tilapia that has a nice firm white flesh with little to no odor.
- Don’t skimp on the seasonings! You want those big bold Cajun flavors!
- Wait until your vegetable oil is nice and preheated before adding the fish.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you will risk steaming the fish instead of “frying”. Cook in two batches if you need to.
- For best results don’t overcook the tilapia. It is a quick cooking fish that will be cooked through to 145 degrees internal temp in short time.
More EASY Fish Recipes
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15 Minute Blackened Tilapia Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp oil - olive oil or canola; divided
- (4) 6 oz fresh Tilapia Filets
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- optional for heat – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- lime or lemon - wedges
Sauce for Serving
- Cajun Aioli - optional
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia filets dry, then divide 1 tablespoon oil across the tilapia and rub on all sides.(4) 6 oz fresh Tilapia Filets
- In a small bowl mix the seasonings. Stir to make sure no clumps of brown sugar remain.2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¾ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional for heat – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sprinkle the seasoning on all sides of the tilapia and lightly press to adhere to the fish.
- Heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet. Once hot carefully lay the tilapia filets in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Take care not to overcrowd the pan or the fish will steam instead of blacken. You will be better off cooking in two batches then trying to fit them all in a smaller pan.3 tablespoon oil
- Remove from the pan and squeeze lime wedges (or lemon) over the fish filets. Let cool for a few minutes and then serve!
Serving
- Serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side. Would also be great with Cajun Aioli, Tartar Sauce or Jalapeno Tartar Sauce.
- This Blackened Tilapia is great with Cajun Rice and Roasted Broccoli, or a Skillet Dirty Rice and Beans or a store bought box of Dirty Rice or Beans and Rice.
John says
This may be my favorite recipe on the whole Moms Dinner site!