Blackened Tilapia with Garlic-Lime Butter

Blackened Tilapia with Garlic-Lime Butter

Serves 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon blackening seasoning

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the butter, cilantro, garlic, lime zest and lime juice and stir to blend. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Rub the tilapia all over with the blackening spice.
3. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, add the fish and cook, undisturbed, 3 to 4 minutes until the spice rub is dark and crusty.
4. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, until the fillets flake with gentle pressure.
5. Transfer to 4 plates and immediately top each with some of the flavored butter.

Tip:
To make your own blackening spice, mix equal parts salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, cumin, ground oregano and garlic powder. It keeps for 3 months.