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Oven-baked tilapia with smoky Southwestern spices garnished with cilantro and lime wedges
Isaac blogger

Easy Spicy Southwestern Baked Tilapia

A quick and flavorful Southwestern baked tilapia made with a smoky chili-lime spice blend. This easy oven-baked fish recipe is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners and busy schedules.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the fish fillets.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  4. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer in the prepared dish.
  5. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until a paste forms.
  6. Spread the spice mixture evenly over the fillets and drizzle with fresh lime juice.
  7. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Cooking times may vary depending on thickness and oven performance.
  8. Let rest briefly, then garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Cook fish until it is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Avoid overbaking to keep fillets moist and tender.
  • Use separate utensils for raw and cooked fish.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently until hot throughout before serving.
  • Discard if odor, texture, or appearance changes.