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Blackened Tilapia Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and flavorful blackened tilapia paired with zesty cilantro lime jasmine rice, perfect for easy weeknight dinners with bold, balanced flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup jasmine rice (185 g), rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (475 ml)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about one medium lime)
  • Zest of one lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the blackened spice mix.
  2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Brush both sides of each fillet with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the blackened spice mix over both sides, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside.
  4. Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and salt, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove from heat and let rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in butter (or olive oil), fresh lime juice, lime zest, and chopped cilantro.
  6. Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (3-4 minutes). Add oil if needed. Place seasoned fillets in the pan and cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a dark crust forms.
  7. Flip fillets carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until fish flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
  8. Serve each blackened tilapia fillet over a bed of cilantro lime rice. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use a hot pan for a crispy crust; pat fish dry before seasoning; adjust cayenne pepper to control heat; avoid overcrowding the pan; cook fish in batches if needed; rice can be cooked with broth for extra flavor; butter in rice can be replaced with olive oil for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened tilapia, cilantro lime rice, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, Cajun spices, weeknight meal, healthy fish recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/blackened-tilapia-recipe-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-rice-easy-and-flavorful/