Garlic Butter Tilapia

4 tilapia filets
2 T butter
2 cloves of garlic, minced
paprika, salt, pepper, parsley
bread crumbs (optional)

Turn oven to 350
Melt butter in microwave or saucepan, then pour into shallow dish.  Add finely minced garlic and spices to butter.  Dip tilapia into the butter and place on a baking sheet.  Sprinkle with bread crumbs if desired.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily.

My kids' favorite side dish with this is couscous.  You can make your own or get the inexpensive box from the grocery store.

Blackened Tilapia

I'm always looking for a creative fish recipe.

The basic breaded with lemon, or garlic Parmesan, though yummy, gets old.

I found this on the last package I bought and tried it out.

It is quite spicy, so if you like things a little milder, reduce the cayenne and chili powder.

The left overs made great fish tacos the next day!

1 lb tilapia fillets (about 4-5 depending on size)

1 T chili powder

1 t cayenne

2 tsp black pepper

1 T paprika

1 T onion powder

1/2 T garlic powder

1 t oregano

1 t ground thyme

1 t brown sugar

cooking oil

Combine dry spices together to create a rub.  Completely coat the fillets and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking.  Heat oil in a large skillet and add fillets.  Cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Serve while hot.