Do you have a quick “go-to” dinner recipe? A fallback for when you arrive home from work uber-exhausted, and just want to whip up something healthy and delicious in a snap?? Well any roommate of mine who’s heard the oil start sizzling in the skillet minutes after I walk in the door will tell you I undoubtedly have a favorite: blackened tilapia. It’s true — I make this all the time, but have yet to ever tire of it!
The beauty of this recipe is that, especially if you can mix together a batch of the blackening powder beforehand to have ready in the cabinet, it truly is super-speedy to cook. And, it’s super-healthy. And, you get a ton of flavor for minimal calories. And…it’s the fish that Jesus ate! :) (Heard our pastor mention a few years back that scholars believe this to be true, since apparently tilapia are plentiful in the Sea of Galilee. Go figure!)
While it can easily stand on its own, you could also serve this recipe topped with creamy sauce to balance out the spice. (For some reason I’ve never been a fan, but know that many are!) Or, it works fantastically in fish tacos or on sandwiches.
My favorite method to turn this into a 10-minute meal, however, is to cut up and stir-fry whatever veggies I have on hand simultaneously in another skillet. Then, cut up some fresh fruit to go on the side – and voila! A very yummy dinner is served. :)
10-Minute Blackened Tilapia
Ingredients
Tilapia filets:
- Vegetable Oil
Blackening Powder Recipe:
- 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
- 2 tsp. thyme
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients together in a small bowl to create blackening powder. Then moisten the sides of each tilapia filet (either with water or cooking spray), and coat with blackening powder. (I generally use about 1 Tbsp. powder per filet.)
- Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil per filet in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is almost smoking, add filets and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until fish is opaque and can be flaked with a fork. Remove from pan and serve immediately.
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
This recipe is delicious
Simple and delicious. Thank you for sharing.
I used the seasoning on tilapia a few times until my boyfriend says “Can you season the brussel sprouts like this, too?” So I made a few batches and put it in an empty container to also season our vegetables the same way. We’ve also been eating tilapia a lot more often! Thanks!
Having a seven-month-old baby doesn’t give me a lot of cooking time all the time. Thanks for the recipe super delicious and quick to make. Used as part of my meal prep
how many servings of fish are for the blackened powder??
Hi Daniela! It says in the last sentence of the first paragraph of directions: (I generally use about 1 Tbsp. powder per filet.) We hope you enjoy! :)
Obviously this was the simplest of meals, but that spice mix is a great recipe and perfect for the fish. Thanks so much!
We’re glad you enjoyed it, Laura!
Try adding fennel powder to Cajun spice, you will never go back. lol
Wonderful it was delish!!!!’
We’re so glad to hear that, Tami!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Tami!
One of THE best recipes ever. Thanks for sharing. Husband loved it very much. Thank you
Thank you, Evelyn! So happy it was a hit with you and your husband!
this sounds yummy but quick question, has anyone tried frying it with olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
THanks
I do it in just a little butter or margarine and it’s DELICIOUS!!