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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Fish Recipes

Grilled Blackened Tilapia

Published: Jul 21, 2024 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 58 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 14 minutes mins

Grilling tilapia is healthy, easy, and fast to cook. Add a simple homemade blackening seasoning for spicy fish tacos or a delicious dinner. This easy grilled blackened fish recipe can be adapted to other fish. You can even use Cajan, Creole, or any other seasoning.

๐ŸŸIngredients

Tilapia
Butter
Blackening Seasoningโ€”Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Dry thyme, Dry oregano, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne pepper

grilled tilapia flaking on a plate.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐ŸŸIngredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Grill Blackened Tilapiaโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • โฐHow long to grill fish
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณMake it right every time
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅSpicing
  • โ™จ๏ธGrilling tips
  • Can I grill other fish fish?
  • ๐ŸŸFish Recipes
  • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing suggestions
  • โ„๏ธStoring leftovers
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

quote mark
Featured Comment by Douglas:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"Great recipe! Both my wife and I loved the result. We will be grilling the blackened tilapia recipe again."

It is time to get some healthy fish in your diet with this quick and spicy recipe, which will become one of your favorites.

This tilapia recipe only needs a few minutes of prep and only about 5 minutes on the grill for a delicious low-fat main dish or tacos.

You can use fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen whole tilapia filets. But using other types of fish and seasoning are discussed.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Grill Blackened Tilapiaโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

clean and oil grill crates.

1. Preheat the grill to high heat.

spices for blackening seasoning.

2. Make blackening seasoning if using my suggested blackening rub.

patting dry tilapia with paper towels.

3. Rinse and pat dry the tilapia. Brush with melted butter.

adding spices to fish on white plate.

4. Coat with blackening, Cajun, Creole, or other seasoning.

placing spiced fish in grill basket.

5. Load the tilapia in the grill basket, grill pan, or on a preheated griddle.

grill basket over direct heat.

6. Place the tilapia on a preheated grill.  The lid may be open or closedโ€”grill for only 2 minutes.

cooked grilled tilapia still in grill basket.

7. Flip and grill for another 2 minutes. Check the temperature (145ยฐ) and color. You may need a few minutes more.

pile of blackened tilapia on a white plate.

8. Serve immediately; I suggest with Simple Tartar Sauce or making a spicy fish taco.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

โฐHow long to grill fish

While thinner fish, like tilapia, are generally done in a grill basket in about 4-5 minutes, thicker fish may take 6-8 minutes or more.

Cook to good color and a minimum temperature of 145 ยฐ. A rough rule is to cook for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

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๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณMake it right every time

I cook on a gas grill, although charcoal or pellet grills can also be used.

Grill with no foil to get a nice crispy crust instead of in foil, which is more like steaming fish.

You can use fresh or thawed frozen tilapia. I like to move frozen tilapia to the refrigerator the day before cooking.

The thickness of whole tilapia filets can vary; cooking time will usually be 2-3 minutes per side, but thick filets may take 4 minutes per side.

Try to cook right to 145ยฐ for safety, but not much more, or your fish will dry.

๐Ÿ”ฅSpicing

The basic instructions for grilling fish don't change with the spicing, so you can use any spicing or flavor you want.

My homemade blackening seasoning is economical and easy to adjust. But you can use commercial Cajan, Creole, or blackening seasonings.

To adjust the heat in my homemade blackening seasoning, change the cayenne pepper.

  • Slip the cayenne pepper if you want no added heat to the spice mix.
  • Use ยผ teaspoon for 3 to 4 out of 10 heat.
  • Use ยฝ teaspoon for 6 to 7 out of 10 heat.
  • Use a full teaspoon for 9 to 10 out of 10 heat. I call this "manly man" level.

โ™จ๏ธGrilling tips

If you grill fish frequently, get a grill basket like the one pictured. It supports the fish, making flipping easy and painless. They are cheap and avalible at any big box store.

image of a grill basket.
Brinkmannยฎ๏ธ Steel Flexible Grilling Basket

If you use a grindle, preheat it with the grill since it is heavy and needs a lot of heat. Grill pans will usually heat fast but may prolong cooking time a little.

Since the fish is thin and uses high heat, you can cook with the grill lid open or closedโ€”it does not matter.

Can I grill other fish fish?

Other fish fillets, such as mahi mahi, halibut, cod, or even salmon, can be used and typically cook about the same with an easy thickness adjustment.

Generally, fish will need about 10 minutes per inch of thickness of the fish fillet. Check for a final internal temperature of 145ยฐ with an instant-read thermometer.

For more information, please see my discussion of the 10-minute rule for cooking fish.

๐ŸŸFish Recipes

Check out these other great tilapia recipes, like baked parmesan tilapia or lemon butter tilapia. Or for salmon, try Garlic Butter Salmon in a Convection Oven.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธServing suggestions

If you make fish tacos, my Pineapple Mango Salsa Recipe is a great compliment

If not making tacos, serve top with homemade tarter sauce and with smashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, healthy biscuits, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, or cornbread biscuits.

โ„๏ธStoring leftovers

Leftover fish is never as good as freshly cooked, but sometimes there are leftovers.

Seal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4 days. You can freeze leftovers for three months, but they will lose their flavor and texture.

Leftovers may be reheated in the oven at 300ยฐ for about 10-15 minutes, lightly covered.

โ“FAQs

What is tilapia?

Tilapia is a healthy, mild white fish commonly farm-raised but can also be caught in the wild. It provides economical, high-quality protein along with some healthier fats. It is available fresh or frozen in most of the world.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven?

Please see my baked blackened tilapia for instructions.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Grilled Blackened Tilapia from 101 Cooking for Two

Grilled Blackened Tilapia

4.58 from 7 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
Grilling tilapia is healthy, easy, and fast to cook. Add a simple homemade blackening seasoning for spicy fish tacos or a delicious dinner. This easy grilled blackened fish recipe can be adapted to other fish. You can even use Cajan, Creole, or any other seasoning.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :4 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 1 pound Tilapia - fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1 tablespoon butter - melted

Blackening Rub-makes enough for 2 pounds

  • 3 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dry thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยผ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Preheat the grill to high heat. If using a griddle instead of a grill basket, then place it on the grill to preheat.
    clean and oil grill crates
  • Combine 3 tablespoons paprika, one teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon onion powder, one teaspoon black pepper, one teaspoon dry thyme, one teaspoon dry oregano, and ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder. Also, add cayenne pepper ยผ teaspoon for normal (3/10 heat), ยฝ teaspoon for spicy (7/10), and one teaspoon for manly man 10/10 heat.
    spices for blacken seasoning
  • Rinse and pat dry 1 pound of tilapia.
    patting dry tilapia with paper towels
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a microwaveโ€”about 15 seconds.
    melting butter in the microwave
  • Brush both sides of tilapia with the melted butter.
    brushing fish with butter on a white plate
  • Coat both sides of the tilapia with a generous amount of the rubโ€”you don't need all the rub. Other seasonings may be used instead.
    adding spices to fish on white plate
  • Spray a flexible grill basket with a generous amount of PAM.
    spraying grill basket with PAM
  • Load the tilapia in the grill basket. Alternatively, a grill pan will work. if using a griddle, then add a tablespoon or so of vegetable oil to the preheated griddle. Do not use olive oil since it smokes at high temperatures.
    placing spiced fish in grill basket
  • Place the tilapia on preheated grill. The lid may be open or closedโ€”grill for only 2 minutes. Flip and grill another 2 minutes. Check temperature (145ยฐ) and color. You may need few minutes or so more.
    grill basket over direct heat_
  • While the thinner fish in a grill basket is generally done in about 4-5 minutes total timeโ€”thicker fish may take 6-8 minutesโ€”to cook to good color and 145ยฐ minimum temperature.
    cooked grilled tilapia still in grill basket
  • You can serve immediately or make tacos.
    pile of blackened tilapia on white plate

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. You may be grilled with the hood open or closed.
  2. I use ยฝ teaspoon of cayenne pepper here. This was a 7/10 hot. I suspect most people will want ยผ teaspoon, which is a 3-4/10 heat level. The original recipe used a full teaspoon which I did once. It was what I call manly man level of 10/10.
  3. Store extra seasoning sealed tightly for next time. This is enough for about 2 pounds.
  4. While the thinner fish in a grill basket is generally done in about 4-5 minutes total time, thicker fish may take 6-8 minutesโ€”cook to good color, and 145ยฐ minimum temperature.
  5. Grilling other fish and seasonings are discussed in the post.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 154 kcal (8%)Carbohydrates : 4 g (1%)Protein : 23 g (46%)Fat : 5 g (8%)Saturated Fat : 3 g (15%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 1 gMonounsaturated Fat : 1 gCholesterol : 65 mg (22%)Sodium : 546 mg (23%)Potassium : 394 mg (11%)Fiber : 1 g (4%)Sugar : 1 g (1%)Vitamin A : 450 IU (9%)Vitamin C : 1.7 mg (2%)Calcium : 30 mg (3%)Iron : 0.9 mg (5%)

Originally published May 11, 2013. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Lilliy dog looking great in the woods.
Molly dog walking in the woods.

More Fish Recipes

  • flakey tilapia on a plate.
    Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia โ€“ Ready in 20 Minutes
  • flacking Blackened Tilapia on a white plate
    Baked Blackened Tilapia
  • \salmon flaking on a plate with a salad
    Garlic Butter Salmon in a Convection Oven
  • grilled lemon butter tilapia
    Lemon Butter Tilapia

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  1. Jason says

    July 26, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Thank you so much for your beautiful recipe, i just finished making Tilapia on the barbecue using your rub recipe and it's now gone. Keep up the good work in the kitchen.

    Reply
  2. NickL says

    June 05, 2020 at 12:49 pm

    The last time, the spices stuck to my hand, the plate and less so the fish. What am I doing wrong to cause this?

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      June 05, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Hi Nick,

      Welcome to the blog.

      A couple of things will help. Give the butter a few minutes to firm up on the fish. Be sure some butter is on the plate. Put it on and pat with a spoon. Flip with a fork. And move to the grill basket with a fork. Don't be afraid to add a bit more to "patch" it or just more flavor.

      Dan

  3. Alex Jones says

    June 03, 2020 at 3:10 pm

    5 stars
    I've cooked this numerous time in a cast iron on the stovetop, but always missed that grilled flavor. Finally bought a grill grate and turned out phenomenal. We put ours in tacos with some slaw mix that I toss with some quick and easy ingredients, my wife makes an amazing jalapeno cilantro and lime dressing to top it with. One of our favorite meals! Great recipe

    Reply
  4. Nick L says

    April 20, 2020 at 10:13 pm

    5 stars
    Well, tried this for this first time and Iโ€™m not the home cook specialist. Used a cast iron pan, on the gas grill, no paprika but everything else. Turned out great!! Better half rarely if every eats fish - but liked this and would consider it again. Thank you!
    Can this work with other fish besides Tilapia?

    Reply
    • Alex Jones says

      June 03, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      I have done it with other white fish such as cod, but I wouldn't recommend using a basket for this but rather a griddle style pan on the grill

  5. Dorothy Duncan says

    September 10, 2019 at 9:15 am

    Can this be cooked on a stovetop?

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      September 10, 2019 at 9:45 am

      Hi Dorothy,
      Welcome to the blog.
      This should pan fry fine. About 3 minutes or so per side depending on the thickness.
      This recipe is based on my oven-baked recipe which is based on a stovetop Food Network recipe. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aaron-mccargo-jr/big-daddys-blackened-tilapia-recipe-1948646
      Dan

  6. Jaime says

    February 03, 2019 at 11:48 am

    What other spices can you recommend besides cayenne pepper? That's way too hot for me. Can't handle it. Maybe chili powder or cumin?? I'm new at this.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      February 03, 2019 at 12:06 pm

      Hi Jaime,
      Welcome to the blog.
      The cayenne adds very little taste, mostly just heat. So skip the cayenne and don't substitute.
      Dan

  7. Bruce says

    January 12, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    This was AWESOME. Itโ€™s -20 here today so my grill wouldnโ€™t fully heat up so I just kept an eye on it and ended up doing 10 minutes per side! But it worked out great anyway. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      January 12, 2019 at 10:02 pm

      Hi Bruce,
      Welcome to the blog.
      That is some serious grilling. Glad it worked well even at low temperature. I grill all winter but it rarely gets to zero here. I will add a few minutes to a burger or steak.
      Thanks for the note.
      Dan

    • Crista says

      September 01, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Could this be placed in foil and put on the grill?

    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      September 01, 2020 at 2:39 pm

      Hi Crista,

      Welcome to the blog.

      I never cook fish in foil but it probably would work. It is just fish with seasoning but this has nice surface that won't be there in foil.

      Dan

  8. Debbie says

    September 23, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    Was wondering if you could use a cedar plank with this recipe?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      September 23, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      Hi Debbie,
      Welcome to the blog.
      Yep cedar plank would work if that is your preference. It will take about 50% longer and no flipping. I'm not a big fan of plank so I usually don't discuss it.
      Dan

  9. Alicia says

    July 27, 2018 at 8:00 am

    This looks delicious and easy. Question: do you use the frozen tilapia or fresh? Thankli

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      July 27, 2018 at 8:02 am

      Hi Alicia,
      I use frozen thawed. But fresh would be great but I'm in Michigan.
      Thanks for the note.
      Dan

  10. Davey says

    July 23, 2018 at 8:01 am

    In terms of herbs/spices, this is a good blackening seasoning mix, but I think it needs a good bit more salt. Perhaps I'm used to the 7:2:1 seasoning mix which is more salty. I'm going to up the salt content for my next batch. On the plus side, the fish came out well-cooked.

    I tried to close the lid of the grill, but the lid pressed down on the arm of the basket and raised the basket off the grates. Like a see-saw. So I had to leave the lid open. Didn't seem to affect things much.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      July 24, 2018 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Davey,
      I could see a little more salt at least for me.
      The lid can be open or closed for this recipe since the fish is so thin and the heat is high.
      Thanks for the note.
      Dan

  11. Elizabeth Gillings says

    July 11, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    Thanks so much for addressing this issue...I definitely will be back to eating it...I've missed my blackened tilapia!

    Reply
  12. Elizabeth Gillings says

    July 11, 2018 at 6:03 pm

    I loved your oven baked blackened tilapia when I've eaten it in the past so I bet it's even better grilled. My question to you as a Doctor is tilapia not as bad as people say anymore? I hear how "poisoned" it is and would like your opinion because I really miss eating it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      July 11, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      Hi Elizabeth,

      Some internet โ€œhealth sitesโ€ have been attacking tilapia as unhealthy using โ€œclick-bateโ€ headlines like โ€œworse than bacon.โ€ While you can attack any farm-raised fish the for the method, or any farm product for that matter, the facts still support tilapia as a good source of low-fat protein.

      Tilapia is a bit lower in omega-3 than some wild fish but also lower in mercury. You can have that whole discussion about the impact of over-fishing of oceans. It goes on and on.

      So the "people" that are attacking tilapia have an agenda or are highly misinformed.

      So enjoy your tilapia.

      Dan

  13. Kenneth says

    July 07, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    Dr.Dan, Thanks for the recipe, I went to my email to grab your website address to get the recipe for oven blackened tilapia as I had used it before. I found this for grilled blackened tilapia. I used it with a griddle that works on my grill. Of course being from Alaska I used some fresh halibut. I used your spices to the best of my ability but ran out of thyme so had to skip it. No cayenne so used some NM red chile powder instead. Followed the technique using a timer. Came out very good. A crust but not dry. My wife had fish tacos and I had blackened halibut with cole slaw. Same meal just skipped the tortillas due to diet restrictions. A great summer dish and did not heat up the house. This will be on the menu again. I also used the simple tarter sauce but used lime juice instead of lemon because I was out. Still good and so easy. Thanks again.

    Reply
  14. Kathleen says

    July 04, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    So wonderful, a genuine 5 star! We grilled it without a basket and it turned out perfectly. We had it with sautรฉed beet greens, grilled zucchini, and garlic bread. This is definitely something we will have often, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  15. Salka says

    June 03, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    you bought something youself frome home depot! Thats an achievement! congratulations!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      June 03, 2018 at 8:38 pm

      Yep, I was proud of myself.
      But the reason for the wording is the FCC rules and if I mention a specific product line the Brinkmann Steel Flexible Grilling Basket here, the FCC assumption is that I was given it free and that would be illegal to mention it. So to be legal, I must say I paid for it myself.

  16. Debbie says

    September 05, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    Ibmade this recipe and put it on a charcoal grill and cooked it in aluminum foil it was so good.

    Reply
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