I Need a Recipe

Easy • Seafood

Easy Blackened Tilapia with Corn Salsa

Flaky, spicy blackened tilapia is balanced with a fresh and vibrant corn and tomato salsa for a light, delicious meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
2
Level
Easy
Easy Blackened Tilapia with Corn Salsa

Looking for a delicious seafood dish that's both healthy and quick? This Easy Blackened Tilapia with Corn Salsa is your answer! The tilapia gets a wonderful spicy crust, while the sweet and zesty salsa provides a refreshing counterpoint. It's a restaurant-quality meal made simple at home.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

For the Tilapia

  • 2 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each), patted very dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp blackening seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper)

For the Corn Salsa

  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed (or fresh corn kernels)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional)

  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the corn salsa: In a medium bowl, combine thawed corn, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside to let flavors meld.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets very dry with paper towels. Drizzle each fillet with 1/2 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle generously on both sides with blackening seasoning, pressing it gently to adhere.

  3. Step 3

    Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until very hot (but not smoking). Carefully place seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet.

  4. Step 4

    Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, without moving, until the fish has a dark, crispy crust and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness.

  5. Step 5

    Remove tilapia from skillet and immediately serve with generous spoonfuls of the fresh corn salsa. Garnish with lime wedges and avocado, if desired.

Tips

  • Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the fish to achieve that perfect blackened crust.
  • Any mild white fish, like cod or mahi-mahi, can be substituted for tilapia.
  • Serve this with a side of rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

More recipes you'll love

Lemon Herb Baked Cod
Easy•25 min
Lemon Herb Baked Cod

Light, flaky cod is baked to perfection with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic for a healthy, quick dinner.

Lemon Dill Baked Cod
Easy•20 min
Lemon Dill Baked Cod

Flaky, tender cod baked with bright lemon and fresh dill, ready in under 20 minutes.