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–+ servings
Blackened tilapia on a white plate with a slice of lime.
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4.50 from 14 votes

Blackened Tilapia Recipe

Juicy, flaky blackened tilapia fillets are dipped in melted butter and generously coated in a homemade blackening seasoning. It's cooked in the oven in just about 12 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 2
Calories: 405kcal
Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

Blackening 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

Blackened Tilapia:

  • 1 lb tilapia
  • 3-4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2-4 wedges of lime for topping
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a wide, shallow bowl. 
  • Combine all the ingredients for the seasoning in one bowl and mix it well. Spread the seasoning in a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (This will help with easy cleanup.)
  • Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel.
  • Dip a fillet in melted butter on both sides and let some access butter drip off. Place the fish in the seasoning and pat to coat it evenly on both sides. Repeat with the other fish fillet.
  • Pour leftover melted butter into a cast iron skillet and spread it around. 

Cooking In The Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and place the empty skillet in there to preheat for a few minutes. Take it out and add seasoned fish fillets. 
  • Bake fish for 12-13 minutes. 

Cooking Under Broiler:

  • Turn on broiler to high and let it preheat for a few minutes. Set the rack so the skillet is about 6-8 inches away from the broiler. Preheat the skillet in the hot oven for a few minutes and then take it out to add the fish.
  • Set the broiler temperature to low broil to cook the fish.
  • Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until tilapia is cooked through. Do keep an eye on it.

On The Stove:

  • Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat first. Lower the heat to medium.
  • Add the fish and cook it for about 4 minutes on each side.

Notes

  • Storing: store leftover fish in an air-tight food storage container, in the refrigerator for about 2 days. 
  • Leftovers: you can add cold fish to salads, sandwiches, or tacos if you wish or you can reheat it. 
  • Reheating: it's best to reheat leftover fish in a cooking pan, over medium-low heat, and just until heated through. Don't overcook.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 1869mg | Potassium: 777mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1242IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3mg