| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 30g | 15g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 30g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Mexican Fish with Spicy Creamy Cilantro Sauce
When I first encountered the Mexican recipe of Fish with Spicy Creamy Cilantro Sauce, I was introduced to a myriad of flavors that can only be described as something akin to a symphony. And like a symphony, this recipe has layers. Not just in terms of tastes, but also in the emotions and experiences it can evoke. With fish as the instrumental melody and the spicy creamy cilantro sauce providing the harmonic accompaniment, every bite is a culinary delight.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
These flavors remind me of my home city, New York. With its bustling streets and diverse culinary scene, it offers a cornucopia of global flavors and palates. In a city that is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines from around the world are not just prevalent but celebrated. The James Beard Award-winning chef Enriqueta Compean, inspired me greatly when it came to understanding the nuances of Mexican cuisine. Her kitchen echoed the same medley of cultures I grew up with in New York, and the Fish with Spicy Creamy Cilantro Sauce reminds me of the echoes from her kitchen.
Why This Recipe is Special to Me
Every element of this recipe, from the choice of white fish fillets such as cod, tilapia, or snapper seasoned with a simple dash of salt and pepper, to the spicy kick brought on by the chopped jalapeño peppers tells a story of flavors merging in perfect harmony. The rich base of finely chopped onion and garlic fried in olive oil, envelops the fish, bringing out its delicate taste, while the freshly chopped cilantro leaves in the creamy sauce bring a touch of brightness and piquancy that elevates the dish to something truly special.
A dash of cornstarch dissolved in water helps to thicken the sauce, making it a luscious coating for the fish. The finishing touch of lime wedges not only adds a splash of color but a squeeze of these garnishes gives the dish a tangy twist taking it a notch higher on your taste buds.
Just as I am blessed to have an avenue like the stage, where I can bring very diverse characters to life, recipes like the Fish with Spicy Creamy Cilantro Sauce allow me to bring to my kitchen, the diversity of tastes that I cherish in the culinary world. Not only does it satiate my love for global flavors, but it also lends itself to memorable gatherings, creating shared experiences and love amongst all those who sample it. And although I don’t have any children to share these culinary adventures with, my wife and I find immense joy in bringing people together around our table with such flavorful dishes.
This recipe allows us to not only pay tribute to the great city we hail from but also lets me, in a humble way, pay respect to each culture in the world that contributes to making New York the incredible culinary melting pot that it is today.
What You’ll Need
- 6 pieces of white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups of heavy cream
- 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Method
Step One
Season the fish fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeños to the skillet. Continue sautéing for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Add the chopped cilantro leaves to the skillet and mix it well with onions, garlic, and jalapenos. Keep stirring it occasionally for around a minute.
Step Five
Now add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a low simmer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the cream starts to thicken.
Step Six
Slowly whisk in the cornstarch and water mixture into the sauce. Continually stir until the sauce thickens to your preference.
Step Seven
Place the seasoned fish fillets in the skillet with the sauce, spooning some of the sauce over the fish. Cover the skillet and allow the fish to cook for around 7-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Step Eight
Serve the fish hot, garnished with lime wedges and a generous portion of the spicy creamy cilantro sauce. Enjoy your Fish with Spicy Creamy Cilantro Sauce!
