Name: The Best Blackened Tilapia Recipe
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 6 min
Ingredients: 4 Tilapia Filets; 2 Tbsp blackening seasoning; 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

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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.

Blackened Tilapia

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 jew 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!

A blackened tilapia fillet on a black plate topped with pico

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!

Delicious blackened tilapia on a black plate topped with pico de gallo

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!

What pan to use for this recipe?

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.

If you don’ own a cast iron skillet, use any pan for this recipe that can handle a high temperature.

Ingredients:

You only need 3 ingredients to make this easy Blackened Tilapia recipe!

Tilapia
A Blackening seasoning – use my Homemade Blackened Seasoning Recipe
Vegetable Oil

How to make Blackened Tilapia:

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.

A piece of tilapia on a white plate and a basting brush rubbing vegetable oil on the tilapia

Next spoon the homemade blackened seasoning over the fish and spread it around with the same basting bush. 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.

Flip the fish over and do the exact same to that side.

A red basting brush rubbing Blackened seasoning on a piece of tilapia on a white plate with blackened seasoning behind it

After the tilapia has been seasoned, heat up a cast iron skillet on a very high heat. Preheating the skillet is a must for this recipe! I personally love using this cast iron griddle that I can place right on top of my stove. Plus I can use this on my grill outside too!

After the skillet has been preheated, place the tilapia on the hot cast iron pan and let it cook for 3 minutes. Make sure that you time it and don’t move the fish, so it can get that beautiful blackened crust on it.

After the 1st cook time, flip the tilapia and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done. 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.

Remove and allow it to cool for a few minutes and you will have fork tender blackened fish that tastes amazing!

Blackened tilapia on a black plate topped with homemade pico de gallo

Substitution Ideas:

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.

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.

If you like sweet and spice, add a small amount of brown sugar to your blackened seasoning before rubbing it onto the fish.

What do you eat with blackened tilapia?

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:

This easy tilapia recipe is amazing served over any of these easy great recipes.

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