| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 268 | 11g | 2g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 34g | 0.72g |
Why I Love Mexican Fish in Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce
There’s a certain magic that comes with blending the familiar and the foreign, like creating the melody of a song using an unplayed instrument. Our recipe today brings that magic to life – marries the Atlantic catches with the fiery spirit of Mexico. Meet our new obsession, Fish in Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce. This dish weaves the fiery kick of Mexico with the mild, tender appeal of Tilapia, creating a delightful medley of flavors that any seafood lover would find hard to resist.
A Culinary Marriage
Reared by the salty breeze of New England’s coast, and having dived deep into the world of seafood, dishes like these create bridges between cultures. As a native of Portland, Maine, where seafood is part of the cultural DNA, adding this Mexican twist to a classic white fish dish brings an exciting new nuance to my culinary journey, much like the flavors introduced into my kitchen by celebrated Mexican Chef Rick Bayless.
Why I Can’t Get Enough of This Dish
With every bite of the Fish in Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce, you get the mild, tender fish enhanced with the zip of the jalapeño pepper and the robust taste of the tomatoes. There’s a perfect balance to be found here. The lime juice and cilantro add a fresh appeal, while the hint of paprika and oregano provide an earthy depth. The optional hot sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference, making this dish versatile for all palates.
This fantastic dish bears some resemblance to the traditional Veracruz-style fish, a popular dish in coastal regions of Mexico known for its bold flavors and delicious combination of seafood and local produce. Yet, each interpretation has its own distinct merits that make them a delight to explore.
For a complete meal, you might consider pairing this dish with a side of cilantro rice or warm tortillas to scoop up the saucy goodness. Whether you’re looking to present a full-course Mexican feast or just change up your typical seafood dish, this recipe is sure to capture your heart and your taste buds.
For me, each bite takes me back to the bustling streets of the Mexico City markets, with a comforting hint of home with the fresh fish reminiscent of my Maine roots. It’s the ultimate culinary love story.
What You’ll Need
- 6 Tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) Diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (optional)
Method
Step One
To kickstart the recipe, heat the olive oil in a large pan over a moderate flame. Once the oil starts to shimmer, proceed to add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the ingredients for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions turn translucent and tender.
Step Two
Add the deseeded and finely chopped Jalapeño to the pan, and continue to sauté for a further 2 minutes. Ensure that the Jalapeño is evenly distributed amongst the other ingredients in the pan.
Step Three
Add the diced tomatoes into the pan followed by salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Stir the ingredients well to ensure a uniform mixture. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
Step Four
Next, place the Tilapia fillets into the tomato and onion mixture. Cover the pan and allow the fish to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Five
Once the fish is cooked, add the chopped cilantro and lime juice, and stir gently to combine. If you like it spicy, you can add hot sauce at this stage. Let the fish sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Step Six
Finally, adjust the seasoning if required. Serve the Fish in Spicy Tomato and Garlic Sauce warm and enjoy the flavorful and delicious fish dish!
