Blackened Citrus Fish
This recipe is the perfect balance of powerful flavors and refreshing bite. The delightful orange sauce will add a flavor profile to the fish that will elevate the entire dish beyond your wildest culinary dreams. If you’re looking to spice up your life, add a sprinkle of the optional red chili flakes to the blackening spices — your taste buds will thank you.
What You Need:
Blackening Spices
—2 tbsp. smoked paprika
—1 tbsp. garlic powder
—1 tbsp. onion powder
—1 tsp. red chili flakes (less, if you do not like spicy food)
—1 tsp. dried oregano
—1 tsp. dried thyme
—1 tsp. sea salt or kosher salt
—1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
Orange Sauce
—1 tbsp. olive oil
—4 cloves garlic, minced
—1 tbsp. spicy mustard
—1 cup vegetable or seafood stock
—Zest of two oranges and the juice
—1 cup concentrated orange juice
—1 tbsp. honey
—1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
—Dash of hot sauce (optional)
—4-6 tilapia or cod fillets
—Olive oil for cooking
What You Do:
1. Preheat the oven to 325˚F.
2. For the blackening spice rub, combine all of the spices and dried herbs in a bowl. Cover each piece of fish completely with the rub.
3. Heat a non-stick frying pan with olive oil over medium-high heat, and add the fish fillets.
4. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, and then carefully flip and place in the oven. Bake at 325˚F for another 4 to 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
5. While the fish is cooking, make the orange sauce. Add the oil and garlic to a sauce pan. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add in the mustard, stock, zest and juice of the fruit. Add the additional cup of orange juice and the honey. Bring the sauce to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes, I add a splash or two of hot sauce for an extra kick! 7. Reduce for 10 minutes over low heat. Add the fresh chopped cilantro and pour sauce over the fish fillets before serving.
