Artificial Flavors Free Blackened Tilapia
Smoky, spicy, and deeply charred on the outside with tender, flaky fish inside — this cast-iron tilapia is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels way more impressive than the effort involved. The blackening spice blend is built entirely from pantry staples like smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, and cayenne, which means every single element is something you can actually read and recognize. That matters more than it sounds, because store-bought seasoning packets and pre-marinated fish are notorious for sneaking in synthetic flavor additives that have no business being on your plate. Here, you're mixing the rub yourself in about two minutes, so you know exactly what's going on the fish. Garlic-infused oil and a knob of unsalted butter carry the fillets into a screaming-hot skillet, where the spices bloom and char into that signature dark crust. A squeeze of lemon and a scatter of fresh scallion greens at the end brighten everything up without introducing anything processed. It's bold, clean, and genuinely satisfying.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the blackening spice
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
For serving
- 2 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
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