Spicy blackened tilapia fillets served over fragrant cilantro lime rice and topped with a chunky avocado salsa — perfect for a tropical-style meal that’s ready in 30 minutes! 🍋🌿🔥 🛒 Ingredients For the Blackened Tilapia: 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs total) 🐟
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
1 tsp dried thyme 🌿
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 🌶️
½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper 🧂
Juice of ½ lime 🍋
For the Cilantro Lime Rice: 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice 🍚
2 cups water or broth
Zest and juice of 1 lime 🍋
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
1 tbsp olive oil or butter 🧈
Pinch of salt 🧂
For the Avocado Salsa: 1 ripe avocado, diced 🥑
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
¼ cup red onion, finely diced 🧅
Juice of 1 lime 🍋
2 tbsp chopped cilantro 🌿
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
🍳 Instructions 1. Cook the Rice In a saucepan, combine rice, water/broth, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in lime zest, juice, cilantro, and olive oil/butter.
2. Make the Avocado Salsa In a bowl, gently toss avocado, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Chill until ready to serve.
3. Season & Cook the Tilapia Pat tilapia fillets dry. Rub both sides with olive oil and season evenly with blackened spice mix.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear fillets 2–3 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
4. Assemble the Plate Spoon cilantro lime rice onto plates.
Top with a fillet of blackened tilapia.
Add a generous spoonful of avocado salsa.
Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a fresh finish! 🍃🍋
📝 Tips & Variations Swap tilapia for cod, mahi-mahi, or salmon 🐟
Make it a bowl: add shredded lettuce, black beans, or corn 🌽
Want more heat? Add jalapeño to the salsa 🔥. #fish #seafood #healthyrecipes #healthycooking #delicious #tilapia
