This Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles is a flavorful, healthy dish that’s perfect for a light dinner. With the spicy blackened seasoning on the tilapia paired with the fresh, crisp zucchini noodles, this recipe is both nutritious and mouthwatering. Whether you’re trying to eat lighter or just love a quick, tasty meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe brings together a perfect balance of spicy and fresh flavors that you’ll fall in love with. The tilapia is coated with a smoky, Cajun-inspired blackened seasoning that gives it a zesty kick, while the zucchini noodles are light, refreshing, and the perfect side dish to keep things healthy. It’s quick to make, too—great for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy meal without the hassle.

Ingredients (partial list – full list below)

4 tilapia fillets
2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
Olive oil for cooking
Blackened seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Find the full list of ingredients below in the recipe card.

Directions

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a little olive oil.
While the skillet is heating, sprinkle the blackened seasoning generously over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
Place the seasoned tilapia fillets into the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is golden and cooked through.
While the tilapia is cooking, heat another pan with a bit of olive oil and sauté the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender but still have some crunch.
Once everything is cooked, plate the zucchini noodles, top with the blackened tilapia, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips and Tricks

For a crispier crust on the tilapia, use a bit of butter along with the olive oil in the skillet.
Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles—keep them slightly crunchy for the best texture.
If you like your tilapia spicier, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the blackened seasoning.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can swap tilapia for another mild white fish like cod or mahi-mahi.
For a twist on the zucchini noodles, try using spaghetti squash or even butternut squash noodles.
If you prefer a different seasoning blend, try using paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a milder version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables like bell peppers or sweet potatoes. You can also serve it with a light salad to keep things fresh and vibrant. For a drink pairing, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold glass of iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover tilapia and zucchini noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm the tilapia in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out, and briefly sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with a splash of olive oil until heated through.

4 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the fish completely before cooking for the best results.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the zucchini noodles and seasoning for the tilapia ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the fish and noodles fresh to maintain their texture.

3. Can I use a different type of noodles?
Absolutely! You can use regular pasta or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

4. How can I make the zucchini noodles less watery?
To avoid excess moisture, lightly salt the zucchini noodles and let them sit for a few minutes, then pat them dry before cooking.

Conclusion

This Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal without a lot of fuss. The spicy tilapia and fresh zucchini noodles make for a delightful combination that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your health. Try it tonight and enjoy a meal that’s both light and full of flavor!

Delicious Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

The Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines the spicy, smoky notes of blackened tilapia with the lightness of zucchini noodles. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
1. Trim the ends of the zucchinis.
2. Using a spiralizer, cut the zucchinis into thin strands to create noodles.
Season the Tilapia:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously onto both sides of the tilapia fillets.
Cook the Tilapia:
1. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
3. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and keep warm.
Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for approximately 2 minutes, tossing constantly with tongs, until they are slightly softened. Be careful not to overcook.
3. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt over the noodles.
Serve:
1. Place the zucchini noodles on serving plates.
2. Top with the blackened tilapia fillets.
3. Spoon pico de gallo over the fish and noodles.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
If pico de gallo is unavailable, a fresh salsa can be used as an alternative.
This dish pairs well with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with zucchini noodles
Calories: 203
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 522mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 34g