Blackened Tilapia With Sriracha Scallion Sauce

Easy Pan-seared Blackened Tilapia topped with delicious Asian inspired sauce

With a jam packed schedule between work, internship, and grad school, easy weeknight recipes will forever be my go to. Thanks to this Blackened Tilapia with Sriracha Scallion Sauce, I am able to whip up an easy and full of flavor weeknight recipe in less than 20 minutes. Not to mention, this recipe is budget friendly and made with just a few ingredients!

What Does Blackened Fish Mean?

Blackening is an easy cooking technique used with firm- fleshed fish, chicken, steak, and other meats. When blackened, the meat is covered in butter, sprinkled with a mixture of herbs and spices, and cooked in a very hot pan. This method results in the food forming a “black” crust on the outside of the item. While it may appear burnt, the dark color is a result from the charred spices and butter, offering a smoky, flavorful crust.

What Spices Make Up Blackened Seasoning?

Although this method of cooking is commonly associated with Cajun cuisine, the flavor has been replicated in a simple seasoning available at most grocery stores! While this recipe uses store bought Blackening Seasoning, some of the blend’s common spices include paprika, garlic powder, pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. If you are up for making your own seasoning, you can find a quick recipe here!

Benefits Of Tilapia

Nutrition

Like most seafood, tilapia is a great source of protein with 25 grams in a 3.5 oz fillet. It is also rich in many vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium.

Basic Nutrition Facts for 3.5-ounce serving of tilapia (Retrieved from USDA FoodData Central:

• Calories: 121
• Carbs: 0 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Fats: 2 grams

Affordability

Tilapia is an inexpensive fish that can be found in most grocery stores, both fresh and frozen. At Aldi, a pack of frozen tilapia will only set you back $4.19 ($0.26 per oz). When looking for tilapia, opt to choose wild-caught vs farmed fish to avoid unethical fish farming practices.

Taste

Tilapia is a mild tasting fish that can easily be dressed up with seasoning, sauces, and salsa. If you are looking to introduce more seafood into your diet, this tilapia easy weeknight recipe is a great place to start!

Ingredients For Easy Blackened Tilapia With Sriracha Scallion Sauce

• Tilapia fillets- you can use fresh or frozen (both provide the same nutrients)
• Blackened Seasoning
• Sriracha
• Sesame Oil
• Lime juice- fresh or bottled is perfectly fine
• Scallions (green onions)

Best Serving Suggestions To Go With Tilapia

Since tilapia is a great and quick protein source, I like to stick will minimal prep sides as well to complete this easy weeknight recipe. For example, I love serving this Blackened Tilapia with rice to soak up the extra sauce! Some other great pairings to serve with tilapia could be:

• Sautéed green beans
• Cauliflower rice
• Roasted broccoli
• Grilled Corn
• Side tossed salad
• Roasted Zucchini

Tips For Making The Best Blackened Tilapia

• Due to tilapia fillets being thin, it cooks very quickly which makes it the perfect easy weeknight dinner recipe. If pan frying on medium heat, 3-5 minutes per side is all that is needed!
• If using frozen fillets, keep in mind it will need to refrigerate them in advance, so they have time to thaw.
• Overcooked fish is not the move. Be sure to not overcook the fillets to prevent it from burning or becoming dry/chewy.
• The best way to check if the tilapia is done is to take a fork and poke into the thickest part of the fish. If it easily flakes, then it is done!

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