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Quick Spicy Blackened Tilapia Recipe with Fluffy Rice

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A quick and easy recipe featuring smoky, spicy blackened tilapia paired with fluffy, buttery rice. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (5–6 ounces each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for searing
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter, to finish the rice (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, for rice cooking water
  • 1 fresh lemon, cut into wedges for serving
  • A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  2. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides generously with the blackening spice mix, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add salt and rinsed rice. Stir, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat and let rice steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in butter for richness.
  5. Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil or butter and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  6. Place seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a crust forms. Flip gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fish flakes easily and is opaque.
  7. Plate the fluffy rice, top with blackened tilapia, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat fish dry before seasoning to ensure a good crust. Use a hot pan and avoid moving the fish too soon to prevent sticking. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and let it steam after cooking for fluffiness. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Cook fish in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened tilapia, spicy fish recipe, quick dinner, fluffy rice, smoked paprika, easy seafood, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/quick-spicy-blackened-tilapia-recipe-with-fluffy-rice-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/