Blackened Tilapia

Tilapia is a plain, mild, white fish that is really pretty boring by itself.  It needs to be dressed up with something fun to make it part of a really good meal.  As most of you know, I am from the Deep South...Jersey.  Blackening seasoning is not native to my homeland, but that hasn't stopped me yet.  I made a quick blackening seasoning from ingredients that I had in my pantry and this tilapia went from zero to hero in no time.  A quick pat down with the spices, drizzle of oil, and into the hot oven for a few minutes and this was a perfect meal.  Easy for a weeknight and would work with fresh fish or fillets that were previously frozen.  Just take them out of the freezer in the morning and let them defrost in the fridge all day.  Then you are ready to go when you get home from work.  This seasoning would be great on chicken or shrimp too.

Blackened Tilapia

Ingredients:

3 Tilapia fillets (about .75 lbs)

1 Tbs. paprika

2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or to taste)

1 tsp. dried oregano

dash nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 Tbs. olive oil

1.  Preheat the oven to 400.  Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry.  Line a baking tray with foil and spray with non-stick spray.  Set the fish on the tray and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper.

2.  To make the rub, mix together all of the herbs, salt, and pepper (basically all of ingredients except the fish and the oil).

3.  Sprinkle the rub generously all over the fish.  Then drizzle lightly with 1 Tbs. olive oil.

 4.  Bake in the preheated, 400 degree oven for 15 minutes, until the fish is flaky and cooked through.

 5.  Serve up with your favorite sides and enjoy! 

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