Go Back
–+ servings
A square photo of two tilapia fillets on a plate.
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Blackened Tilapia Recipe

This Blackened Tilapia is coated in a simple homemade Cajun spice rub and sauteed to give it the perfect crispy crust, and flaky interior. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Blackened Tilapia Recipe, cajun
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Blackened Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 TBSP chili powder
  • 1 TBSP smoked paprika
  • 1/2 TBSP onion powder
  • 1/2 TBSP garlic salt
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tilapia:

  • 4 tilapia fillets (thawed if previously frozen)
  • 1 to 2 TBSP olive oil (or butter)

Instructions

  • Put all the spices and herbs together in a small bowl and mix them together to combine.
  • Rub the spice mix over the tilapia evenly, covering it completely.
  • (Optional) Cover the tilapia with plastic wrap and put into your fridge 1 hour or longer.
  • Add 1 TBS olive oil to a cast iron pan or other skillet, and heat it over medium high.
  • Place your tilapia in the pan and fry it for about 3 minutes on each side, until the crust is nice and crispy and the inside is cooked through and opaque.