Description
A quick and flavorful 15-minute dinner featuring blackened tilapia fillets with a smoky Cajun crust, finished with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds tilapia fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Thaw frozen tilapia if necessary and pat fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat with vegetable oil until it shimmers (around 375°F).
- Coat tilapia fillets generously with the spice rub, pressing spices into the fish. Place fillets in the hot skillet without overcrowding.
- Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until spices darken and form a crust. Flip carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove fish from pan and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and simmer for 1 minute.
- Return fish to the pan to spoon sauce over it, or plate fish and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure fish is completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure the spice crust adheres properly. Do not flip the fish too early to avoid breaking the crust. The pan should be hot but not smoking to prevent burning the spices. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using a certified gluten-free Cajun blend.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: blackened tilapia, cajun fish, lemon butter fish, quick dinner, healthy seafood, tilapia recipe, easy weeknight meals