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Tender Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa

Blackened Tilapia with Mango Salsa - featured image
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A quick and easy 15-minute meal featuring crispy blackened tilapia fillets paired with a fresh, spicy mango salsa. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
  • 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • Sea salt to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Dice the mango, red onion, and jalapeño. Chop the cilantro.
  2. Combine the mango, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add the lime juice and a pinch of sea salt to the salsa. Mix well and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Pat the tilapia fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a good crust.
  5. Season both sides of the fish lightly with salt.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter (or oil) with the blackened seasoning to create a paste.
  7. Brush the butter-spice mixture generously over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
  8. Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until very hot.
  9. Carefully place the fillets in the hot pan without crowding.
  10. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until a dark, reddish-brown crust forms. Do not move the fish.
  11. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  12. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  13. Serve immediately with the mango salsa on the side or spooned on top.

Notes

Ensure the fish is completely dry before cooking to prevent steaming. If using frozen tilapia, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil. The salsa can be made with peaches or pineapple if mango is not in season. Clean the pan immediately after cooking to remove stubborn spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: tilapia, blackened fish, mango salsa, quick dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight meals, gluten-free, low calorie

Find it online: https://mandydishes.com/tender-blackened-tilapia-with-mango-salsa-15-min-easy-meal/