If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet fresh and vibrant, you’re in for a treat with the Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe. This delightful meal pairs perfectly seasoned, crispy-on-the-outside tilapia with a refreshing avocado and tomato salsa that adds creaminess and zest in every bite. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent dinner that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends and family. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for a quick, flavorful seafood fix.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential for this dish because each element plays a starring role in delivering the perfect balance of spice, freshness, and texture. From the blackening seasoning that gives the fish its iconic crust, to the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes in the salsa, every item contributes something unique.
- Tilapia fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets about 6 ounces each for the best texture and flavor.
- Blackening seasoning: This is the heart of the flavor, a smoky and spicy blend that makes the tilapia irresistible.
- Canola oil: Use a high smoke point oil like canola for a crisp, golden blackened crust.
- Avocado: Ripe and diced, it adds creamy richness to balance the spices perfectly.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to bring sweetness and a burst of color to the salsa.
- Cilantro: Fresh and chopped, it brightens the dish with a herbaceous note.
- Olive oil: A smooth drizzle to help bind the salsa and bring out the flavors.
- Lime juice: Provides a zesty kick that ties the salsa components together.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity and heat.
How to Make Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Season the Tilapia
Start by rubbing the tilapia fillets generously with the blackening seasoning on both sides. This step ensures that every mouthful will have that iconic smoky, spicy flavor that blackened fish is known for. Don’t be shy—cover the fish well so that the seasoning forms a beautiful crust during cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Next, heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the pan hot so the fish sears quickly, locking in moisture and creating a lovely crust. The oil should shimmer but not smoke to keep the flavor clean and avoid bitterness.
Step 3: Cook the Fish
Place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a flaky texture and a gorgeous golden brown crust. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon some hot oil over the fish as it cooks to intensify the crust and keep the fillets moist.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Avocado Tomato Salsa
While the fish cooks, mix together the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and sea salt in a bowl. This quick salsa brings a fresh, creamy, and tangy contrast to the spicy blackened tilapia. Once the fish is cooked, top each fillet with a generous scoop of the avocado tomato salsa to finish the dish with a bright and cooling flair.
How to Serve Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, a wedge of lime on the side is perfect to offer an extra splash of citrus just before eating. You can also sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions to elevate the freshness and color on the plate, making the dish pop visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe shines next to simple, light side dishes. Try serving it with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. A crisp mixed green salad or grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also pair beautifully by adding crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, serve the tilapia in warm corn tortillas for a fun taco-style meal. Add a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce and some pickled red onions for an extra flavor boost. Alternatively, plate the tilapia over a bed of black beans for a colorful, hearty presentation that’s sure to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the blackened tilapia and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the fresh texture of the salsa and prevents the fish crust from becoming soggy overnight. Eat within 2 days for the best taste.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked tilapia, it’s best to do so without the avocado tomato salsa, as it doesn’t freeze well. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cooked fish should be used within 1 to 2 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat the fish, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an oven set to 275°F (135°C) to preserve the crust without drying it out. Add the salsa fresh after reheating to keep its bright flavor intact.
FAQs
What is blackening seasoning made of?
Blackening seasoning is typically a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a smoky, spicy coating that chars beautifully when cooked on high heat.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tilapia works wonderfully for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can use other white fish like catfish, snapper, or cod. Just be mindful of cooking times as thicker or thinner fillets will vary.
Is the avocado tomato salsa spicy?
The salsa itself is mild and refreshing, providing balance to the spicy blackened seasoning on the fish. If you want extra heat, you can add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado tomato salsa a few hours ahead, but it’s best to add the avocado close to serving time to prevent browning. Store the salsa covered tightly and add a little extra lime juice if needed to keep it fresh.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on blackened fish?
Make sure your skillet and oil are very hot before adding the seasoned fish. Press the fillet gently into the pan and avoid moving it around to let the seasoning form a deep, crispy crust. Cooking each side 2 to 3 minutes usually does the trick perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe is like gifting yourself a fresh and flavorful experience that balances spice, creaminess, and zest in every bite. It’s quick, healthy, and endlessly satisfying, perfect for those moments when you want something special without the fuss. I promise once you make it, this dish will become a cherished favorite to share with the people you love.
Print
Blackened Tilapia with Avocado Tomato Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Blackened Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia fillets coated with a bold blackening seasoning and seared to perfection in a hot skillet. Served with a fresh avocado and tomato topping, it offers a flavorful, healthy, and quick meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Tilapia and Seasoning
- 4 (6 ounce) tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Avocado Tomato Topping
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Season the Tilapia: Rub the tilapia fillets evenly on both sides with the blackening seasoning, ensuring a good coating that will provide a flavorful crust during cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering, which ensures the fillets will sear properly without sticking.
- Cook the Tilapia: Carefully place the seasoned fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the fish is flaky, cooked through, and has developed a golden-brown crust.
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and sea salt. Mix gently to retain chunks of avocado and tomato, creating a fresh and vibrant topping.
- Serve: Spoon the avocado tomato topping over each tilapia fillet just before serving to add a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy, blackened fish.
Notes
- You can adjust the quantity of blackening seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the topping.
- If you prefer, substitute canola oil with another neutral oil suitable for high-heat cooking.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a green salad to make it a complete meal.
- The avocado tomato topping is optional but highly recommended to complement the spicy fish.
