This easy fish dish is on the table in about 10 minutes!
Blackened tilapia is seasoned with a homemade blackened seasoning and panfried for a quick weeknight meal.
What is Blackened Fish?
On a recent trip I was able to enjoy the most amazing blackened fish created for us by a chef in a hotel in New Orleans. Blackened fish was shared by Chef Paul Prudhomme (in New Orleans), and it is well-loved for good reason – it’s very simple and delicious.
This recipe uses tilapia, but any white fish will work. I use a simple DIY blackened seasoning and rub it over the outside of the fish. It’s then panfried until cooked and browned on the outside, the perfect blackened fish!
How to Blacken Fish
Blackening fish means brushing fish with butter and rubbing it with a blackened seasoning mixture. The fish is then usually fried in a cast iron pan (but you can make blackened tilapia in the oven as well).
Because of the butter and seasonings, the outside of the fish will turn a dark “blackened” color while keeping it fork tender and flaky inside.
What is Blackened Seasoning?
Blackened Seasoning is a spice mix that creates a delicious crust on fish, chicken, or other meats. The ingredients can vary from restaurant to restaurant and chef to chef.
My recipe contains oregano, paprika, and garlic/onion powder. Other optional additions are thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Holly’s Tips
- Blackened seasoning can be replaced with cajun seasoning if desired.
- Use vegetable oil or canola oil, as it has a higher smoke point than olive oil.
- Double or triple the spice mixture for future recipes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice overtop if desired.
More Fish Recipes You’ll Love
Herb Crusted Baked Salmon
Parmesan Broiled Tilapia
Honey Mustard Salmon
One Pan Sesame Ginger Salmon & Broccoli
Easy Baked Tilapia (or Cod)
Did you enjoy this recipe for Blackened Tilapia? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
Blackened Tilapia
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets or other white fish
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Combine seasonings & brown sugar in a small bowl.
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Rub both sides of the fish with the seasoning mix.
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Heat oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
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Once hot, add the seasoned fish and a few of the lemon slices and cook 3 minutes per side or just until opaque (do not overcook).
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Serve with remaining lemon.
Notes
- Turn the broiler onto high and place oven rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat. Line rimmed baking pan with foil if desired.
- Add the tilapia fillets and a few lemon slices. Broil for 3 minutes. Flip fish and additional 3-4 minutes until tender and flaky. Do not overcook.
- Serve with remaining lemon.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course, Seasonings
Cuisine American
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Delicious and fast
So glad you enjoyed it!
I eliminated the black pepper (I can’t digest it) and subbed with cayenne pepper. Excellent. First time I tried using sugar in my blacking mix and found it somewhat balanced the stronger spices. Not sure if I will add it again but overall this was extremely tasty.
Excellent recipe, the talapia was so flakey with the best flavor off the mixed seasonings and lemon.
Thanks, Sharon. I am glad you enojoyed it!
As a dietetics student who loves to cook, this recipe was a hit! I always challenge myself to find recipes that are nutritious and delicious. My picky boyfriend also loved this one. Thanks for the recipe!
This tilapia dish is absolutely delicious! I also love that I already had all the ingredients on hand!
This will become a regular at our home. Thank you so much!
This is my go to tilapia recipe. Fast, seasonings on hand. Reheats nicely in the air fryer too.
I serve with steamed broccoli.
Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Sloan! So happy to hear how much you love this tilapia recipe!
Does this store well in the refrigerator for meal prepping?
Hi Matthew, once cooked it should last in the fridge 2-3 days. If prepping in advance I would recommend prepping the seasoning separately and then rubbing it on the fish before cooking as directed in the recipe.
Easy snd delicious! Great seasoning recipe as well!
Sooo yummy!! The perfect amount of “spice”. I made a tartar sauce with some mayo, relish, salt, pep, and lemon juice. So good! I will definitely be making this again.
Love this recipe! It’s now a staple in our house & all 5 of my kids love it. I don’t usually add the brown sugar & I triple the spices to really coat the fish thoroughly. I serve it with calabacitas & spanish rice, healthy & delicious!
Sounds delish Amy!
This is so good. My family loves this recipe. I’ve been making it like once a week!
Love the recipes
I doubled the recipe because I was making eight fillets. On the two largest, I only dusted one side, and the rest both. I thought my husband might not like the spiciness! Instead, He said it was terrific and ate two more portions that were dusted on both sides!! :) He said, “we can have this again anytime!!” so I guess it will go into the rotation. Thanks for a great recipe.
Please stop with the stories . Nobody care cares I just want the recipe not your life story
This post contains no stories or personal information. I have included info only related to the recipe and ingredients as cooks of all levels enjoy this site.
In the future, there is a jump to recipe button at the top of each post that will take you directly to the recipe. Hope that helps. Enjoy!
That was very unkind to post, Bob. I didn’t want to read your RUDE comment, only comments about the recipe, but here it is… So please stop with the unnecessary comments. Nobody cares.
P.S. – the recipe was delicious!!!
What a rude comment lol. Geeeeez. Nobody care cares about your ugly opinion either ♀️
Loved this. I can’t believe how good it turned out. Used cooking spray instead of butter. We’re going to try this with fish tacos next. Then I may try it with chicken.
Looks good! If baking in the oven, do you use oil and butter?
I am about to try one of your recipes!! I am looking forward to trying your Blackened Tilapia.
It’s a great recipe Devourah! Have fun cooking!
I made this on yesterday and it was delicious. I also added some blackened seasoning which gave the fish a spicy kick. I will be making this again.
I’m so happy to hear you love this tilapia recipe Ann!