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I am on a fish kick lately and one of our all time favorite is this Blackened Tilapia Recipe. It is seriously the best. In under 6 minutes, dinner is done with this easy recipe! Talk about easy.
I am eating more fish lately since it is healthier than chicken or beef. This blackened tilapia recipe is definitely one my favorite. If you enjoy seafood too, make sure to check out all our delicious seafood recipes!
The tilapia is rubbed with a blackened spice mix and cooked in few a few minutes in oil in a skillet. That’s it! This recipe really is that easy to make and is packed with tons of flavor too! You must also try Blackened Mahi Mahi.
What's in this post: Blackened Tilapia Recipe
What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened seasoning can easily be made at home. First combine together paprika, salt, parsley, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and oregano. Then in a small bowl combine all the spices and it’s ready to use! Store the leftover seasonings at room temperature in an air tight container for future recipes!
Blackened seasoning mix is available at your local grocery store but I usually use homemade blackened seasoning. It just takes a few minutes to make and tastes great on fish, chicken or beef!
If you enjoy cajun seasoning, you’ll love blackened seasoning too!
How to Blacken Fish
Blackening fish is easier than you think. Cook the fish at a high temperature and resist the urge to flip the fish.
Because the fish will need to cook for 2-3 minutes per side without flipping! Not flipping gives the fish that nice charred appearance and really brings out the flavors in the blackened seasoning!
Ingredients
- Tilapia
- A Blackening seasoning – use my Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe
- Vegetable Oil
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients.
Substitution Ideas
- Change Fish – Any type of white fish works great in this recipe. I have made this before with Mahi Mahi, Cod and Halibut and all are delicious in this easy recipe.
- Oil – Also, any oil that has a high smoke point works well for this recipe. Generally I use vegetable oil but you can also use Canola Oil, Avocado Oil or Sunflower Oil.
- Seasoning – If you like sweet and spice, add a small amount of brown sugar to your blackened seasoning before rubbing it onto the fish.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – First place the tilapia on a plate and pat it dry with paper towels. Then use a basting brush to rub the vegetable oil onto both sides of the tilapia fillets.
- Step 2 – Next spoon the homemade blackened seasoning over the fish and spread it around with the same basting bush. Flip the fish over and do the exact same to that side.
- Step 3 – After the tilapia has been seasoned, heat up a cast iron skillet on a very high heat.
- Step 4 – After the skillet has been preheated, place the tilapia on the hot cast iron pan and let it cook in skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes.
- Step 5 – After the 1st cook time, flip the tilapia and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done.
- Step 6 – Remove and allow it to cool for a few minutes and you will have fork tender blackened fish that tastes amazing.
Recipe Tips
- Preheat Skillet – Preheating the skillet is a must for this recipe. It helps to create the best texture on the Tilapia. We have even grilled this tilapia.
- Cooking Tilapia – Make sure that you time it and don’t move the fish, so it can get that beautiful blackened crust on it.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this tilapia recipe with fresh lemon juice squeezed over the top of it and with some easy and delicious homemade pico de gallo.
In addition, this recipe is great served over rice. Check out my favorite rice recipes that go great with this blackened fish recipe:
- Delicious Cilantro Lime Recipe
- Cauliflower Rice
- Crock Pot Rice Recipe
- Microwave Brown Rice
- Instant Pot White Rice Recipe
- Easy Fried Rice Recipe
- Check out more Best Sides for Tilapia
This easy tilapia recipe is amazing served over any of these easy great recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
I use a cast iron skillet for this recipe because you use apply high heat to them without damaging them. I love my cast iron skillet. The kids and I use it all the time and we ALL love it.
If you are new to cast iron cooking, make sure to check out how to season cast iron skillet. We give you all the tips and tricks on how to season and care for a cast iron skillet.
I use about ½ tablespoon per fish, but you decide. The more you use the spicier it will be and the less you use the milder it will be.
You’ll know that the fish is done as the fish will be opaque and can be flaked with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to check to make sure the fish is done. Cook until the fish has internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
More Blackened Recipes
More Easy Fish Recipes
- Easy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe (anyone can make)
- Baked Tilapia
- Lemon Pepper Grilled Tilapia
- Easy Fish Tacos
- Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
- The Best Grilled Tilapia Recipe
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Easy Tuna Casserole
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
If you make this best Blackened Tilapia Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
The Best Blackened Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Tilapia Filets
- 2 Tbsp blackening seasoning
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Place the tilapia on a plate. Rub 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil onto both sides of the tilapia filets.
- Spoon the homemade blackened seasoning over the fish and spread around (both sides). I use about ½ tablespoon per fish. You can adjust the seasoning amount based on your preference. The more you use, the spicier it will be and the less you use, the milder it will be.
- Heat the remaining vegetable oil over high heat in a cast iron skillet.
- Place tilapia on the hot cast iron pan and let it cook for 3 minutes. Time it and don’t move the fish, so it can get that beautiful blackened crust on it.
- Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until the tilapia has an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F.
- Remove to a separate plate and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Great recipe, but I already said that once! It is worth repeating!! 5 stars!!
Loved this recipe because I can control the seasoning with the blackened mix! Thanks so much, I make tilapia all the time!??
My husband & I love blackened tilapia on restaurants. Now we can enjoy this at home instead of paying higher prices for it ! What a great recipe!
I am enjoying copying so many recipes from Eating on a Dime. Truly, I have copied over 30 recipes the last 2 days & am excited about preparing these! We will have some great new dishes to enjoy at dinner now !!
So easy! I used your seasoning recipe and followed the directions exactly and it was some of the best fish I’ve made! Delicious! My husband is already asking when I’m going to make it again. 🙂 Thank you!