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Cajun Blackened Tilapia

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A bold and flavorful dish featuring Cajun-spiced, pan-seared tilapia served with fragrant herbed rice and buttery sweet corn—perfect for a quick, wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges for serving
  • For the Herbed Rice:
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Buttered Corn:
  • 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chopped chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and coat both sides with the spice mix.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tilapia fillets and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. For the Herbed Rice: In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Stir in rice and olive oil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in chopped parsley and salt to taste.
  5. For the Buttered Corn: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn and cook for 5–6 minutes until heated through and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped chives if using.
  6. To serve, plate the blackened tilapia alongside herbed rice and buttered corn. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Tilapia can be substituted with cod, catfish, or another firm white fish.
  • Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing Cajun seasoning to taste.
  • Use chicken or vegetable broth for more flavorful rice.
  • Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun tilapia, blackened fish, herbed rice, buttered corn, healthy fish dinner, Southern fish recipe

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/cajun-blackened-tilapia/