Dive into a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering "Blackened Blue Eye with Sweet Tomato Relish"! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a feast for the senses, combining the bold flavors of perfectly blackened fish with a refreshing, tangy tomato relish that will leave your taste buds dancing. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this American classic that’s both simple and elegant. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 blue eye fillets
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the tomato relish first by combining halved cherry tomatoes in a medium bowl with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and let sit to allow flavors to meld while preparing the fish.
- Pat the blue eye fillets dry completely with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and optimal blackening.
- Evenly coat both sides of each fish fillet with blackening seasoning, pressing the spice blend gently into the fish to create a uniform crust.
- Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot and just starting to smoke slightly.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan and carefully place the seasoned fish fillets into the skillet.
- Cook the fish for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side, allowing the blackening seasoning to create a dark, crispy crust without burning.
- Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side, or until the fish is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the blackened fish from the skillet and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the blackened blue eye fillets and generously top with the prepared sweet tomato relish.
- Serve immediately while the fish is hot and crispy, accompanied by your choice of side dishes like rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the sweet tomato relish in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the tastier it becomes!
- Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the blue eye fillets dry thoroughly before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect blackened crust.
- Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the fish. A properly heated pan will create a beautiful crust without burning the spices.
- Don’t Rush the Flip: Allow the fish to cook undisturbed for the first few minutes. This helps develop a nice crust and prevents the fillets from sticking to the pan.
- Resting Time: Let the blackened fish rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and flavorful.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your blackened blue eye with sides like fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad to balance the dish's rich flavors.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the blackening seasoning to your taste. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
