Blackened Tilapia

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Freshly cracked pepper, about 20 cranks of a pepper mill
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 4- 4 oz each tilapia filets

Directions

1. Stir the paprika, cumin, thyme, oregano, cayenne, garlic, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture generously over both sides of each tilapia filet, pressing lightly so it clings. The fish should be damp enough for the seasoning to stick; if it is dripping wet, blot it with a paper towel first.
2. Set a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 Tbsp of butter until it foams. Lay in 2 filets and cook them for about 2 minutes per side, until the seasoning has darkened to a rich burgundy and the fish is cooked through. Cook the second 2 filets the same way, adding more butter to the pan first if you need it. Serve hot.