Dive into the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun Tilapia, a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and packed with personality. This recipe features tender tilapia fillets rubbed with a smoky-spiced blend of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then seared to perfection for a golden crust. Finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a tangy brightness and optional parsley garnish, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes. Ideal for busy cooks, this pan-seared tilapia pairs beautifully with sides like fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. Perfect for seafood lovers seeking vibrant flavors and a fuss-free cooking experience, Cajun Tilapia is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels and set them aside on a plate.
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Rub both sides of each tilapia fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fillets, gently pressing it in to adhere.
Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat.
Place the tilapia fillets into the skillet in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown.
Flip the fillets carefully with a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is fully opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the tilapia from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
Slice the lemon in half. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the tilapia fillets for a burst of tangy flavor.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Serving size | (96.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 288.6 |
Total Fat 28.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 4.4g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 1186.2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 9.7g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 3.0g | 0% |
Total Sugars 1.8g | |
Protein 1.6g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 33.1mg | 0% |
Iron 1.5mg | 0% |
Potassium 177.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories