Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired Fish with Spicy Salsa! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that combines perfectly seared fish with a zesty, vibrant salsa that packs a punch of fresh flavors. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to spice up your weekly meal rotation, this recipe promises to be your new go-to for an impressive and delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin, salt, and pepper. Evenly season both sides of the fish fillets with the spice mixture.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the salsa by combining diced tomatoes, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and fresh lime juice. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
- Transfer the cooked fish to serving plates and immediately top each fillet with the prepared spicy salsa.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while the fish is hot.
Tips
- Pat Fish Dry: The secret to a golden, crispy fish exterior is removing excess moisture. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry your fish fillets before seasoning.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet that conducts heat evenly to ensure a perfect sear without burning.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook fish in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant salsa flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by removing jalapeño seeds or adding more for extra kick.
- Serve Immediately: Fish is best enjoyed hot, so time your cooking so the fish and salsa are ready to plate together.
- Experiment with Fish: While tilapia and cod work great, try this recipe with other mild white fish like halibut or sea bass.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 65mg
