Irresistible Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Swimming in flavor, our blackened tilapia recipe promises a culinary adventure that breaks free from mundane meal routines.

Spices dance across tender fish fillets, creating a symphony of robust tastes.

zucchini noodles provide a light, fresh companion to the bold protein centerpiece.

Health-conscious cooks appreciate how this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with vibrant, complex notes that awaken your palate.

Crisp textures and smoky undertones make this meal feel like a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

You won’t believe how quickly this impressive dinner comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Blackened Tilapia and Zoodles With a Bold Kick

• Quick Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious blackened tilapia with zucchini noodles in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a nutritious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a light, low-carb meal packed with vegetables and lean protein that satisfies without feeling heavy.
• Flavor-Packed Protein Boost: The homemade blackening seasoning transforms simple tilapia into a zesty, restaurant-quality dish with smoky cumin, paprika, and garlic powder that elevates the fish's natural taste.
• Simple One-Skillet Wonder: Cook everything in a single nonstick skillet, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe incredibly convenient for home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles Ingredients

• Tilapia Fillets: Mild white fish that absorbs seasonings beautifully, perfect for quick cooking and light meals. Fresh or frozen works well, wild-caught preferred for best flavor.

• Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Salt: Spice mixture that creates bold, smoky flavor profile for the fish. Freshly ground spices provide more intense taste.

• Zucchini, Garlic: Zucchini creates low-carb noodle alternative, light and fresh. Garlic adds aromatic depth and subtle pungent undertone. Choose firm zucchinis without soft spots.

• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fat for cooking and prevents sticking. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa that adds bright, tangy contrast to the blackened fish. Adds color and refreshing taste to the dish.

Tilapia with Zucchini Prep Method

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Spirals

Transform fresh zucchinis into delicate noodle strands using a spiralizer.

Slice off both ends of the zucchinis, then twist them through the spiralizer to create long, elegant pasta-like ribbons.

Gently separate the zucchini noodles to prevent clumping.

Step 2: Craft Bold Seasoning Blend

• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Blend these spices thoroughly to create a vibrant coating that will transform the tilapia into a mouth-watering dish.

Step 3: Sear Spiced Tilapia

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Generously coat both sides of the tilapia fillets with the spice mixture.

Carefully place the fillets into the sizzling skillet.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the fish develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Sauté Zucchini Noodles

In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the zucchini spirals and toss rapidly with tongs.

Cook for about 2 minutes, keeping the noodles crisp and vibrant.

Sprinkle with a final touch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Arrange the zucchini noodles as a bed on serving plates.

Carefully place the blackened tilapia on top.

Crown the dish with a generous spoonful of fresh pico de gallo.

Serve immediately while the fish is hot and the zucchini noodles are still tender-crisp.

Seafood Tips for Blackened Tilapia with Zoodles

• Use a sharp spiralizer blade to create uniform, spaghetti-like zucchini noodles that cook evenly and look professional.
• Pat zucchini noodles with paper towels after spiralizing to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy and diluted dish texture.
• Adjust the blackening seasoning by adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or reducing black pepper for a milder flavor profile.
• Sear tilapia briefly on high heat to develop a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flaky interior without overcooking.
• This recipe naturally fits gluten-free and low-carbohydrate diets by replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles and using lean protein.

Blackened Tilapia Storage Guide

• Store leftover tilapia and zucchini noodles separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for best quality and taste.
• Gently warm tilapia in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
• Quickly sauté zucchini noodles in a hot skillet for 1 minute to prevent them from becoming mushy. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
• Do not freeze this dish, as zucchini noodles and fish lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

Flavor Pairings for Blackened Tilapia

• Refreshing Citrus Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp white wine with bright, zesty notes that perfectly complement the blackened tilapia's spicy seasoning and cut through the fish's richness.
• Tropical Mango Salsa Companion: Fresh mango salsa as an alternative to pico de gallo, offering sweet and tangy flavors that enhance the fish's smoky spice profile and add vibrant color to the dish.
• Cooling Cucumber Mint Mocktail: Light, herbal drink that balances the blackened tilapia's intense spices, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites and adding a cool contrast to the warm, seasoned fish.
• Mediterranean Quinoa Side: Light, protein-packed grain salad with lemon vinaigrette that adds texture and complements the zucchini noodles while providing a nutritious base for the blackened tilapia.

Delicious Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles Fish Variants

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace zucchini noodles with cauliflower rice, using the same blackening spices for tilapia and maintaining low-carb profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute spice blend with oregano, thyme, and lemon zest, adding crumbled feta cheese on top for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Gluten-Free Pescatarian Option: Keep recipe exactly the same, ensuring all ingredients are naturally gluten-free and using fresh, wild-caught tilapia.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Increase heat by adding cayenne pepper to the spice mix, incorporating diced jalapeños into pico de gallo for an extra kick.

FAQs

• What is blackening in cooking?

Blackening is a cooking technique where fish or meat is coated with spices and seared at high heat, creating a dark, flavorful crust without burning.

• How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?

Tilapia is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness.

• Can I use other fish instead of tilapia?

Yes, you can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper that have similar texture and cooking times.

• What makes zucchini noodles different from regular pasta?

Zucchini noodles are low-carb, gluten-free vegetable strands that provide a lighter, fresher alternative to traditional wheat pasta, with fewer calories and more nutrients.

Delicious Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling blackened tilapia sparks culinary excitement with its bold Cajun-inspired flavors dancing alongside tender zucchini noodles. Seafood enthusiasts and health-conscious diners will savor this light, spicy meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 tilapia fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
• 2 large zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds / 680 grams)
• 1 cup pico de gallo

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

1. Transform fresh zucchinis into delicate spiral noodles using a spiralizer, carefully trimming the ends to ensure uniformity and smooth texture.
2. Create a robust spice blend combining cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl for intense flavor infusion.
3. Generously coat tilapia fillets with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly and evenly seasoned.
4. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, allowing the surface to become hot and ready for searing.
5. Carefully place seasoned tilapia fillets into the heated skillet, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until the fish develops a rich, dark crust and becomes easily flakable.
6. Remove the perfectly cooked tilapia from the skillet and set aside, keeping the fish warm and maintaining its temperature.
7. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen, releasing intense flavor.
8. Gently introduce zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing constantly with tongs to prevent sticking and achieve a light, tender texture.
9. Cook zucchini noodles for approximately 2 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp and do not become overly soft or mushy.
10. Arrange zucchini noodles as a vibrant base on serving plates, creating an elegant foundation for the dish.
11. Strategically place blackened tilapia fillets atop the zucchini noodles, showcasing the beautiful contrast of colors and textures.
12. Garnish with fresh pico de gallo, adding a bright, tangy element that complements the spiced fish and delicate noodles.
13. Serve immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Spiralizer Tip: Choose fresh, firm zucchinis for the best noodle texture and avoid soggy results.
• Seasoning Hack: Toast spices briefly in a dry pan before mixing to enhance their flavor and depth.
• Fish Cooking Technique: Pat tilapia dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, well-seared exterior.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace zucchini noodles with cauliflower rice for a different nutritional profile without losing taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg