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