Blackened tilapia with paprika, brown sugar and oregano
Blackened tilapia is a flavorful dish featuring a blend of smoky paprika, sweet brown sugar, and fragrant oregano. This quick recipe delivers perfectly seared fish that's sure to impress.
Cook time 6 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 tsp paprika3 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp dried oregano
1.50 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 tsp salt
3 lb tilapia
2 tbsp olive oil
Blackened Tilapia is a delectable dish that brings together a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. This quick and easy recipe, featuring a beautiful mix of spices like paprika, brown sugar, and oregano, will make a delightful meal sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking novice, this blackened tilapia recipe is simple yet flavorful and can be ready in just a few steps.
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, brown sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground cumin, red pepper, and salt. Mix well until all the spices are thoroughly combined.
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Rub the seasoning mix generously over both sides of the tilapia fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the fish to create a good sear and achieve the blackened effect.
- Carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The spice mixture should form a dark, crispy crust.
- Remove the tilapia from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges for a bright citrus flavor.
- Serve the blackened tilapia with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Blackened Tilapia with paprika, brown sugar, and oregano is a flavorful and healthy dish that's perfect for any meal. The combination of spices gives the fish a delightful kick, while the cooking method ensures a tender and moist fillet. Enjoy your blackened tilapia with a side of vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and wholesome meal. Happy cooking!
Blackened tilapia with paprika, brown sugar and oregano FAQ:
Cook tilapia for about 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust the time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before preparing and cooking to ensure even seasoning and cooking.
You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Alternatively, use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor.
Store leftover blackened tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain its texture.
The recipe includes red pepper, which adds mild spice. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of red pepper or omit it entirely.
Tips:
- Pat dry the tilapia fillets with paper towels before applying the spice mixture. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures a nice crust.
- Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the tilapia. This helps to quickly sear the fish and lock in the flavors.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the fish in batches if necessary to ensure each fillet gets evenly cooked and well-blackened.
- For an extra touch of freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the tilapia just before serving.
- Serve with a cool side dish like coleslaw or a cucumber salad to balance the spiciness of the blackened tilapia.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 230kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 3.38g
Fiber 0.76g
Sugar 1.72g
Fat 9g
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