Blackened Tilapia (Sugar-Free)

Tilapia fillets rubbed with a blackening seasoning blend then fried to create the MOST flaky seasoned fish you’ll ever eat. One of the best things about this recipe is that there’s NO SUGAR in my Blackening Seasoning Blend. Serve Blackened Tilapia on it’s own with your favorite sides or in tacos. The entire family will love this fish!!!

Before I made this dish to the take photos and post it on my website, I googled Blackened Tilapia. Almost all of the posts with a blackening seasoning blend have sugar in them. “Is that really necessary?”, I thought, and “What is the purpose of the sugar in a rub?”

The answer to first my question is: It depends on the type of meat or fish you’re cooking. Many Chefs agree that when cooking beef steaks, all you need is salt and pepper. But when cooking meats that have less flavor, such as pork or chicken, they can benefit from a seasoning blend spice rub. Fish, in my opinion, naturally has tons of flavor and each fish type has it’s own unique taste. Just a little salt, pepper, and citrus can make fish delicious. A Blackening Seasoning Blend can give any fish a upgraded taste and compliment the different side dishes being served. One example is fish tacos. They benefit greatly from the fish coated in a slightly spicy blackened seasoning blend.

To answer my second question: Sugar added to a rub is a flavor enhancer. The sweetness of sugar intensifies the taste. It helps with caramelization, browning, and crust formation. This being said, I believe that the sugar in rubs is necessary for meats, such as pork and chicken but for fish, it’s a different story. Fish cooks very quickly and tastes better in savory dishes than sweet. This is definitely subjective. If you want to add sugar to my Blackening Seasoning Blend you can but I don’t think it’s necessary. I like the “heat” that comes from the cayenne and tasting the other spices. In my opinion, the sugar mutes those flavors. Try my version without added sugar and I don’t think you’ll miss it at all! You’ll love this recipe!!!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE BLACKENED TILAPIA (SUGAR-FREE)

• Tilapia fillets
• Neutral oil (such as canola oil)
• Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Ground black pepper
• Cayenne
• Limes or lemons (for garnish)

RECOMMENDED TOOLS FOR FRYING FISH

When frying fish, I highly recommend using a fish spatula or also called, a fish turner (pictured below). The end of the spatula is at an angle which is very useful when gently loosening and lifting the fish from the frying pan. Any oil from the pan drips through the open slits in the base of the spatula when transferring to a serving platter. A fish spatula is a must to have in your kitchen utensil storage.

HOW TO MAKE BLACKENED TILAPIA (SUGAR-FREE)

• In a small bowl, add the six Blackening Seasoning Blend ingredients; whisk together.

• Rub each fish fillet on the front and back with the blend; set aside.
• Heat 2 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch cast iron skillet (enameled is best).

• Let the oil heat until shimmering.
• Add two fish fillets (top side down) and let cook for about 2-3 minutes until blackening is starting.
• Flip over and cook for about 2-3 minutes more.
• Remove from the skillet and transfer the two cooked fillets to the serving platter.
• Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Using the fish spatula, gently scrape any Blackening Seasoning left on the pan.
• Add 2 Tbsp oil and lay the remaining two fish fillets (tops side down).
• Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Transfer to the serving platter and serve with lime or lemon wedges.

NOTES

• Serve with rice or potatoes and cooked vegetables.
• Try with my recipe for Coconut-Mango Rice (*pictured below) or Green Rice (Arroz Verde).
• Try with my recipe for Quick and Easy Tartar Sauce.
• Delicious served in tacos with your favorite coleslaw. 

OTHER DELICIOUS FISH RECIPES TO TRY:

• Whole Sea Bass-Two Ways
• Sheet Pan Salmon with Broccolini and Baby Potatoes
• Honey-Lime Glazed Salmon
• Maple-Barbecue Salmon (Oven or Grill)
• Mustard-Roasted Snapper
• Tuna Bean Salad
• Curry Tuna Salad