Blackened Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Rice & Avocado Salsa

🌶️🐟 Blackened Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Rice & Avocado Salsa Recipe

Spicy blackened tilapia fillets served over fragrant cilantro lime rice and topped with a chunky avocado salsa — a tropical-inspired meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also ready in just 30 minutes! 🍋🌿🔥 Perfect for a light and delicious dinner with a hint of heat.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Blackened Tilapia:

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 1.5 lbs total) 🐟

• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

• 1 tsp onion powder 🧅

• 1 tsp dried thyme 🌿

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 🌶️

• ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper 🧂

• Juice of ½ lime 🍋

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice 🍚

• 2 cups water or broth

• Zest and juice of 1 lime 🍋

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 🌿

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter 🧈

• Pinch of salt 🧂

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado, diced 🥑

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅

• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced 🧅

• Juice of 1 lime 🍋

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 🌿

• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

🍴 Instructions

1. Prepare the Blackened Tilapia:

• In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

• Rub the tilapia fillets with olive oil, then generously coat both sides of the fillets with the seasoning mixture.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a crispy, blackened crust.

• Squeeze the lime juice over the fillets just before serving.

2. Make the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• In a saucepan, combine the rice and water (or broth) and bring to a boil.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

• Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil (or butter), and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Avocado Salsa:

• In a bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until just combined. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much; you want it chunky!

4. Assemble the Dish:

• Serve a generous portion of cilantro lime rice on each plate.

• Top with the blackened tilapia fillet.

• Spoon the fresh avocado salsa over the fish and rice for a burst of flavor.

🌞 Serve and Enjoy!

This tropical-inspired dish is bursting with bold flavors — smoky, spicy tilapia, fresh and zesty rice, and creamy, tangy avocado salsa. It's the perfect meal for a quick, healthy dinner with a little kick! Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this 30-minute recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy! 🌿🍋🔥