10-Minute Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
10 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
-
Calories
353 kcal
-
Cuisine
Cajun
10-Minute Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Description
This recipe relies on a bold blackening seasoning pressed onto tilapia filets before cooking in a very hot skillet with melted butter, yielding a richly spiced, crisp exterior and tender, flaky interior. The skillet should be screaming hot for proper crust development. Each filet cooks for about two minutes per side, ensuring quick and even doneness. Butter imparts richness and assists in blackening.
The salsa is a simple mix of diced avocado, seeded cucumber, fresh chopped parsley, and fresh lemon juice, seasoned with kosher salt. It brightens and cools the palate to offset the heat and richness of the blackened fish. Serving with lemon wedges adds additional acidity as desired.
This quick recipe is suitable for weeknight meals or light lunches, combining straightforward preparation with fresh, vibrant flavors. The dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice or a green salad.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets
- 1/4 cup blackening seasoning store bought or homemade
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 avocado diced, large
- 1 cucumber seeded and diced
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped, fresh
- lemon plus more lemon wedges for serving, juice of 1
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat until screaming hot. You might want to turn your fan on or open a window for this one!
- Meanwhile, pat the tilapia filets dry with a paper towel. Coat each in 1 tablespoon of the blackening seasoning, pressing it onto the fish so it sticks on every part of the surface.
- Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in the skillet. Add the tilapia and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until fish is fully cooked and flakes apart easily with a fork. If you need to cook it in two batches, use half the butter for each batch.
- Meanwhile, mix the avocado, cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste in a small bowl.
- Serve blackened tilapia with the avocado cucumber salsa, with more lemon wedges (optional).
Notes
- To make paleo, Whole30, or dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee or olive oil.
- Nutrition info excludes added seasoning salt and optional ingredients; adjust according to brands and portions used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 353 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 353kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 196mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 859mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 561IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
