Name: Southwestern Baked Tilapia
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb tilapia fillets; 1 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp dried oregano; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

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Southwestern Baked Tilapia

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Season the tilapia fillets on both sides with the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and oregano. Arrange the fillets on the baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil.

Bake the tilapia on middle rack of oven until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 7-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Check to see that tilapia is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Serve immediately.

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Nutrition

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Bloom Your Spices First 🌶️
Toast the dried oregano, cumin, coriander, and chili powder in the olive oil for 1-2 minutes before coating the tilapia to unlock their essential oils and deepen their flavors exponentially.
Pat Dry for Perfect Texture ✨
Always pat tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure the spice rub adheres properly and prevents moisture from creating a steamed texture instead of a crispy, flavorful crust.
Don't Overcook Delicate Fish ⏱️
Bake tilapia at 400°F for just 10-12 minutes until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork—cooking beyond this point causes it to become dry and loses its delicate, buttery texture.
Layer Your Seasonings Strategically 🎯
Apply half your spice-oil mixture directly to the baking sheet first, then place the tilapia on top and coat the upper side—this creates a flavorful crust on both sides without flipping the fragile fish.
Finish with Acid for Brightness 🍋
Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the baked tilapia immediately after removing from the oven to brighten the southwestern spices and balance the richness of the olive oil.