Sesame 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 it takes. The homemade blackening blend is built from pantry staples like smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, and cayenne, so you know exactly what's going in it and what's staying out. That matters more than people realize, because store-bought spice blends and bottled sauces are surprisingly common hiding spots for sesame in various forms. Here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, giving you a bold, restaurant-worthy result without any label anxiety. Garlic-infused oil and a pat of butter help the spice crust sear into something almost crackling, while a squeeze of lemon at the end cuts right through the heat. Scallion greens scattered on top add a fresh, bright finish that makes the whole plate pop. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to again and again.
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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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