Seafood
Blackened Cajun Baked Tilapia
★★★★½ (4.5)
Bold Cajun spices form a flavorful crust on tender tilapia fillets baked to flaky perfection in just 15 minutes, a fast weeknight dinner with big flavor and minimal cleanup.
- Big bold Cajun flavor with zero deep frying or standing at the stove
- Ready start to finish in 25 minutes for busy weeknights
- Mild tilapia is a great entry point for seafood beginners
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with foil, then brush the foil with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels, since excess moisture will keep the spice crust from sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush both sides of each fillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sprinkle and pat the Cajun spice mixture evenly over both sides of each fillet, pressing gently so it adheres.
- Arrange the seasoned fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, checking at 12 minutes, until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145F.
- Tilapia is a thin, delicate fish, so watch closely near the end of baking; overcooking by even a few minutes will dry it out.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillets and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Tilapia fillets are thin and cook fast, so start checking for doneness a couple minutes before the timer ends to avoid drying it out.
Pressing the spice rub firmly onto dry fish, rather than wet, helps it form a real crust instead of sliding off during baking.
Nutrition (per serving)
260Calories
34gProtein
10gFat
3gCarbs
1gFiber
520mgSodium
Nutrition information is estimated and provided for convenience only.
