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    Seafood Recipes » Blackened Tilapia

    Blackened Tilapia

    Posted On May 17, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated May 17, 2020 25 Comments

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    Blackened Tilapia Recipe Pinterest Pin

    This blackened tilapia recipe (Cajun fish) comes together quickly and serves well with rice, veggies, or salads to complete a weeknight meal.

    3 pieces of blackened tilapia fish with 2 slices of lemon and rosemary

    We all have recipes and ingredients we often go to in order to create a quick easy meal. For us, it’s often this salmon, or this dijon salmon recipe, even this shrimp scampi, and of course our blackened tilapia.

    I have realized that our to go trend is seafood. We often opt–in for an easy seafood meal as it is quick, easy to prepare, and delicious. Can’t be any more simple than this cajun fish recipe. 

    A lot of our meals are prepared in the Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or in an electric skillet.

    These gadgets have been a lifesaver from time to time especially during our kitchen renovation. For this reason, you’ll find that this recipe is as equally easy to make and satisfying.

    • Cajun Fish with lemon and rosemary on white plate

    Ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe

    • Tilapia Fish – Feel free to double the recipe if you have more fish.
    • N’Orleans Cajun seasoning – create an extra kick and spice.
    • Coconut sugar – a healthier option than regular sugar. You may use brown sugar if desired. However, the coconut sugar does not alter the taste of the fish at all.
    • Kosher salt and black pepper – Adds extra flavor and stabilize the sugar (be careful if using any type of salt with the Cajun Seasoning). Cajun seasoning already has salt.
    • Olive oil – Although you may use vegetable oil or any oil. For this recipe I used olive oil to keep this meal on the lighter healthier side.
    • Fresh lemon juice – Optional. This add a hint of acidic flavor to the fish. 
    • fish covered with blackened seasoning

    The Tilapia fish is generously seasoned and if the ingredients are doubled, it can feed a large family. 

    How to make this blackened tilapia recipe – Cajun fish?

    Below is the full recipe, but first, let me share with you a quick review on how to make this dish perfectly each time.

    In a small bowl, mix together the all of the seasonings except the olive oil. Set aside. 

    Wash and pat dry the fish. And set on a plate.  

    Sprinkle the seasonings over the fish on both sides. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or place in the refrigerator if not using right away. 

    In a large skillet or nonstick pan, heat the olive oil. When pan is hot, add the fish and cook on both sides.

    • fish frying in oil

    Repeat the steps with the remaining Tilapia fish. Serve warm and enjoy!

    Tips for preparing and frying

    Below are some of the frequently asked questions when preparing this dish.

    • Can I prepare tilapia fish in advance? One of the reasons why I like tilapia and whiting is because they absorb flavor well. Yes, the fish can be prepared in advance. But personal preference, I like it freshly cooked. 
    • Will this recipe work with frozen tilapia? Yes, I recommend thawing out the fish prior to prepping it as the flavors will have a chance to be embedded in the fish. 
    • Is tilapia good for you?  Tilapia  is rich in protein and low in calories. It also contains niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium.
    • Is Tilapia affordable? Yes, very much so. We often buy packages at Aldi for $5.99 per package. The package includes 6-8 individually packaged fish. 
    • Do I need to add butter to the oil?  This is a personal preference. Although this recipe does not call for butter, you are welcome to add it to the oil. 
    • fish on white plate with lemon wedges and rosemary sprig.

    If you love this blackened tilapia recipe, you should also try the air fryer fish and chips.

    Please tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can see your beautiful dish. Also, give it a star rating below.

    Cajun Fish with lemon and rosemary on white plate

    Blackened Tilapia Recipe – Cajun fish

    Savory Thoughts
    Our recipe for blackened tilapia comes together quickly thanks to a few simple ingredients and easy to follow step by step preparations.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 18 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 Servings
    Calories 141 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 Tilapia Fish
    • 2 tablespoon N’Orleans Cajun Seasoning
    • 2 tbsp. Coconut Sugar or brown sugar
    • ½ tsp. Kosher Salt
    • ½ tsp. Black Pepper
    • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
    • Fresh lemon juice – Optional

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl, mix together the N’Orleans Cajun seasoning, and all of the other spices. Set aside.
    • Wash and pat dry the fish. And set on a plate.
    • Sprinkle the seasoning over the fish. Turn the fish on the other side and season with the Cajun mix. Set aside. Make sure that the fish is well coated on both sides. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or place in the refrigerator if not using right away.
    • In a large skillet or nonstick pan, heat the olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the fish and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Cook 2 at a time.
    • Turn fish over and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until fish is golden brown on both sides. Repeat the steps with the remaining 2 fish.
    • Serve warm and enjoy with lemon!

    Notes

    The fish can be prepared in advance. 
     I recommend thawing out the fish prior to prepping it as the flavors will have a chance to be embedded in the fish. 
     
    ****Calories are estimated per serving****

    Nutrition

    Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 767mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 0.1IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tom S

      April 28, 2022 at 12:04 am

      5 stars
      Stunningly delicious! Our new favorite fish recipe.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 01, 2022 at 2:44 pm

        Thank you, Tom!

        Reply
    2. Andrea

      January 25, 2022 at 6:06 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, this tilapia looks and sounds fabulous! A perfect meal for a busy week night.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 28, 2022 at 11:21 pm

        Thank you.

        Reply
      • Cindy

        September 11, 2022 at 1:14 am

        5 stars
        Did I just overlook the air fryer version???

        Reply
    3. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      January 25, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      It was so delicious! Thank you for this amazing recipe!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 28, 2022 at 11:21 pm

        Thank you so much.

        Reply
    4. Gina

      January 25, 2022 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      Blackening seasoning is the best way to bring huge flavor to anything in such an easy way! Love this for a quick weeknight meal!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 25, 2022 at 5:37 pm

        Thank you so much, Gina!

        Reply
    5. Beth

      January 25, 2022 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect recipe for my busy weekdays! Quick, easy and will be gobbled up by the whole family – even my picky eaters!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 25, 2022 at 4:42 pm

        Thank you, Beth

        Reply
    6. Joyce

      January 25, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      I have been eating a lot more fish lately and this one is definitely one of my favorite recipes. So much flavor! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        January 25, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        Thank you so much, Joyce.

        Reply
    7. Sedija

      March 15, 2020 at 11:54 am

      This looks very delicious! Will try out! : )

      Reply
    8. Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS

      March 10, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds amazing, we love to eat fish once a week usually on #fishfridays to go with our #meatlessmondays all a part of eating better. Can’t wait to try this one!

      Reply
    9. supal

      March 10, 2020 at 12:38 am

      5 stars
      cajun seafood is SO good and I’ve been craving it with some hushpuppies! Might have to whip this one up!

      Reply
    10. Paris

      March 09, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      This looks so good! I am going to try this week actually because we have some fish in the freezer and I have been craving it lol! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    11. Roamy

      March 09, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      I`m a foodie in every way and tilapia is one of my favourite fish.Tried it the first time I visited Lake Victoria in Kenya and it`s been my must eat atleast once a month.Although I`m not a great cook, I do love the tilapia I cook and that gives it an extra point.

      Reply
    12. Kelly Anthony

      March 07, 2020 at 2:48 am

      5 stars
      I love fish recipes just like this one for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite at our house.

      Reply
    13. Anita

      March 06, 2020 at 11:42 pm

      5 stars
      Such a nice and fun way to enjoy tilapia. I’m glad all my family members love it as well. 🙂

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 07, 2020 at 3:24 am

        Thanks, Anita! I am very glad your family enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
        • Destiny

          February 13, 2021 at 5:07 am

          5 stars
          Thank you for being straightforward. The recipe is wonderful! It turned out really good. I paired it with broccoli and yellow rice. I would make it again. 🙂

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            February 13, 2021 at 4:43 pm

            Thank you so much, Destiny. I am very glad to hear that. I am glad you enjoyed it.

            Reply
    14. SHANIKA

      March 06, 2020 at 11:26 pm

      5 stars
      I usually eat Blackened Salmon, but this Tilapia recipe looks so amazing! I could eat this with so many things!

      Reply
    15. Krissy Allori

      March 06, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good. I am adding this recipe into my normal dinner rotation for sure.

      Reply

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