This blackened tilapia recipe (Cajun fish) comes together quickly and serves well with rice, veggies, or salads to complete a weeknight meal.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blackened Tilapia Recipe – Cajun fish
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!
Tom S
Stunningly delicious! Our new favorite fish recipe.
Mirlene
Thank you, Tom!
Andrea
Oh my, this tilapia looks and sounds fabulous! A perfect meal for a busy week night.
Mirlene
Thank you.
Cindy
Did I just overlook the air fryer version???
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
It was so delicious! Thank you for this amazing recipe!
Mirlene
Thank you so much.
Gina
Blackening seasoning is the best way to bring huge flavor to anything in such an easy way! Love this for a quick weeknight meal!
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Gina!
Beth
This is the perfect recipe for my busy weekdays! Quick, easy and will be gobbled up by the whole family – even my picky eaters!
Mirlene
Thank you, Beth
Joyce
I have been eating a lot more fish lately and this one is definitely one of my favorite recipes. So much flavor! Thank you!
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Joyce.
Sedija
This looks very delicious! Will try out! : )
Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS
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!
supal
cajun seafood is SO good and I’ve been craving it with some hushpuppies! Might have to whip this one up!
Paris
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 🙂
Roamy
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.
Kelly Anthony
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.
Anita
Such a nice and fun way to enjoy tilapia. I’m glad all my family members love it as well. 🙂
Mirlene
Thanks, Anita! I am very glad your family enjoyed it. 🙂
Destiny
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. 🙂
Mirlene
Thank you so much, Destiny. I am very glad to hear that. I am glad you enjoyed it.
SHANIKA
I usually eat Blackened Salmon, but this Tilapia recipe looks so amazing! I could eat this with so many things!
Krissy Allori
These are so good. I am adding this recipe into my normal dinner rotation for sure.