Preparing Blackened Tilapia is easy! Just follow these simple steps to create a stunning dish:

1. Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Prep the Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure they can achieve a nice crispy crust.
3. Coat the Fillets: Rub the spice mixture generously over both sides of each tilapia fillet to coat them evenly.
4. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or melted butter over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the Fish: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tilapia fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the crust is dark and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the fish from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for a couple of minutes.
7. Garnish: Serve the fish with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly blackened tilapia fillets that are sure to impress!