Skillet Blackened Tilapia

Skillet Blackened Tilapia is an easy weeknight meal, and healthy to boot. Serve it over rice and vegetables, and dinner is ready in just minutes. 

I’m constantly looking for ways to make fish, especially white fish like tilapia. We eat fish at least once a week, and love salmon and shrimp, along with tilapia.

Whenever we travel to the coast, we hit up all the seafood restaurants and enjoy all the fresh seafood we can get our hands on. It’s one of our favorite things about traveling. We are such foodies, and we love it. 🙂

This recipe has taken LOTS of practice. I’ve made different versions, and I believe this is THE ONE.

All you need is:

1. any white fish
2. the spice rub
3. a cast iron skillet
4. some cooking oil

Let’s talk about the rub. It’s just a bunch of seasoning, and I keep all of them in my pantry at all times. Start with a BIG hit of paprika, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Easy, and you could also make a bigger batch and keep it handy for anytime you want to make blackened fish.

Do you need some ideas for side dishes to go with this Skillet Blackened Fish? I’ve got a bunch here, but I usually just make some brown rice, sauté up some onions, and roast some broccoli (or other veggie).

Enjoy!

xoxo ~Sue

Make this fish recipe next: Baked Asian Salmon in Foil

Please let know if you try this recipe. Be sure to comment and leave a review on the blog so I can see what you think. You can also like my Facebook Page, follow me on Pinterest, and catch me on Instagram.

xoxo ~Sue

Skillet Blackened Tilapia

Skillet Blackened Tilapia is an easy weeknight meal, and healthy to boot. Serve it over rice and vegetables, and dinner is ready in just minutes. 

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: blackened tilapia

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 275kcal

Author: Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

• 24 oz. tilapia – about four large filets
• 3 Tablespoons canola oil

For the blackened seasoning:

• 2 Tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Instructions

• Prepare the blackened seasoning by combining all ingredients.
• Take the tilapia and pat dry with a paper towel. Lay out on pan or plate, and spread blackened seasoning on both sides of fish. Massage seasoning into fish with hands.
• Heat skillet to medium high heat. Add half of oil to pan and when heated, add two pieces of tilapia.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, and flip, cooking another 2-3 minutes. If you have large, thick pieces of fish, you may need to cook longer. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Repeat with remaining two pieces of fish.
• Serve blackened tilapia over rice and vegetables, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 2080IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2.1mg