Blackened Tilapia

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5 from 11 votes
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This blackened tilapia recipe is perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The fish is tender, moist, flaky, and cooks in 10 minutes.

blackened tilapia.

I adore cooking with tilapia, a mild-flavored fish that benefits from the generous use of different spices, especially my homemade blackened seasoning! 

The tilapia fillets are first seasoned using a mix of aromatic spices and then seared in a hot pan until they are crispy on both sides and have their signature blackened look. This dish is so family-friendly, and my family loves that it doesn’t have a fishy taste whatsoever.

Table of Contents
  1. Why I love this recipe
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make blackened tilapia
  4. Arman’s recipe tips
  5. Storage instructions
  6. More healthy seafood dinners
  7. Blackened Tilapia (Recipe Card)
  8. Frequently asked questions

Why I love this recipe

  • Quick and easy. It’s ready in ten minutes.
  • Few ingredients. To cook this versatile protein, you need only a few spices, olive oil, butter, and tilapia fillets. 
  • So much flavor. You get a mix of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors in one.
  • Healthy. Tilapia is a classic white fish with very little fat and tons of protein.

If you love blackened proteins, try my blackened chicken, blackened catfish, blackened shrimp, and blackened salmon next.

★★★★★ REVIEW

“Delicious!! Seasoning is perfect and one of our favorites. I love how tender the tilapia is and how the blackened seasoning” – Billy

Ingredients needed

  • Tilapia. You can use both skin-on and skinless fillets. I prefer skinless fillets because I don’t usually eat the skin anyway.
  • Blackening spices. The spice mix used for this blackened fish recipe includes onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. 
  • Salt. To taste. 
  • Olive oil. To sear the fish fillets. Any neutral oil works, like vegetable oil.

How to make blackened tilapia

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

blackened seasoning mix.

Step 1- Mix all spices in a small bowl.

seasoned tilapia fillets.

Step 2- Season the tilapia fillets with the spice mixture generously. Ensure it’s on both sides.

blackened fish.

Step 3– Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the fish and cook it for 5 minutes per side.

blackened tilapia fillets on a plate.

Step 4- Rest the fish for several minutes before serving.

What to serve with blackened tilapia

Use the tilapia as the main protein source at dinner, and add some potatoes and vegetables to complete the meal. Here are some ideas:

Arman’s recipe tips

  • Use frozen tilapia fillets. You don’t have to use fresh tilapia fillets. Simply thaw the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight. Then, pat them dry with paper towels and cook them using the blackening technique. 
  • You’ll know the fish is fully cooked once it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in color.
  • Dip the uncooked fillets in melted butter. This helps the spices stick to the fish. 
  • Make blackened fish tacos by serving the fish in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and avocado.

Storage instructions

To store: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. 

To reheat: Heat up the leftover fish in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 180C/350F until warm.

tilapia blackened.

More healthy seafood dinners

If you tried this Blackened Tilapia recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe. 

blackened tilapia recipe.

Blackened Tilapia

5 from 11 votes
This blackened tilapia recipe is perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. It's ultra-flavorful and cooks in just 10 minutes. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen!
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 11 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 fillets tilapia 4-6 ounces each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cumin, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until combined.
  • Rub the spice mix over each fillet of fish.
  • Add the oil to a large cast iron skillet and cook the fish for 5 minutes, before flipping and cooking for another 5 minutes. 
  • Once the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center, it's ready to servr.

Notes

TO STORE: Transfer leftover tilapia into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. 
TO REHEAT: Heat up the leftover fish in a covered skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 180C/350F until warm.
Oven bake them. If you prefer oven-baking your fish, you can easily do that with this recipe. Heat the oven to 200C/400F and bake the seasoned tilapia fillets for 10 to 12 minutes. 
Air fry them. Similar to my air fryer tilapia, simply place the seasoned fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes at 200C/400F, flipping once.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSodium: 673mgPotassium: 574mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 576IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 3mgNET CARBS: 1g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use another fish?

Yes, this recipe is very forgiving, so that any white fish will work just fine. I do suggest choosing cod, haddock, or sea bass, which are more sturdy and don’t break apart easily.

Originally published February 2023, updated May 2024, updated May 2025

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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  1. 5 stars
    Thank you so much!!! This recipe is so fast and easy, and tastes DELICIOUS!! I have also tried the blackened chicken and enjoyed that too!!
    Also, I make extra for lunch the next day!!
    Both the chicken AND the tilapia are good cold
    cut up and tossed over romaine OR fresh spinach
    for a healthy low calorie lunch!!
    Spinach is 7 calories per cup
    Romaine is 9 calories per cup
    Toss with apple cider vinegar, add your leftover cold tilapia (or chicken) salt / pepper to taste (if you like) and you have a HEALTHY low calorie lunch for under 150 calories!!!!👍😬

    1. Hi! I am new to cooking fish . Would love to make this but don’t know what temperature to cook it in the cast iron pan. Can you help me please? Thank you!