Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sunny coastal regions of Mexico with every crispy, flavor-packed bite! This Veracruz Style Fried Tilapia isn't just another seafood recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines the perfect crunch of golden-brown fish with a zesty, colorful topping that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food enthusiast, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy coating.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned breading mixture.
- Dredge each tilapia fillet completely in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch depth.
- Carefully place the breaded tilapia fillets into the hot oil, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the fried fillets and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, then add diced tomatoes and sliced olives, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the fried tilapia to serving plates and top with the tomato-olive mixture.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the ideal oil temperature of 350°F for perfectly golden fish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – fry the tilapia in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to your flour-cornmeal mixture.
- Use fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes for the most vibrant and authentic flavor profile.
- Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the crispy texture of the fish.
- Pair with a light, citrusy white wine or a cold Mexican beer for the ultimate dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 474kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
