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Blackened Tilapia Recipe

American (Cajun-inspired) · Main course · 18 min total

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tilapia fillets coated in a spicy Cajun seasoning and seared in a hot cast-iron skillet until charred and smoky.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush both sides of each fillet with melted butter, then generously coat with the spice mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
5. Place fillets in the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook without moving for 3 minutes, until the underside is blackened.
6. Carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.

Tips

• Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the fish to achieve a proper blackened crust.
• Use a well-ventilated kitchen or turn on the exhaust fan, as the spices can create smoke.
• Serve with rice, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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