Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Spice Rubbed Tilapia with Mango Salad isn't just a meal—it's a tropical escape on a plate. Imagine perfectly seasoned fish with a golden, crispy exterior meeting a vibrant, zesty mango salad that bursts with fresh, tangy flavors. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will transport you to a Caribbean paradise, no passport required!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the spice rub to adhere better.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well to create your spice rub. This blend will add a rich flavor to the tilapia.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each tilapia fillet. Ensure that the fish is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned tilapia fillets in the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- While the tilapia is cooking, prepare the mango salad. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. This will add a refreshing contrast to the spiced fish.
- Drizzle the lime juice over the mango salad mixture and add the chopped cilantro. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring that the lime juice evenly coats the ingredients.
- To serve, place a tilapia fillet on each plate and top it with a generous scoop of the mango salad. The bright flavors of the salad will complement the spice-rubbed fish beautifully.
- Enjoy your Spice Rubbed Tilapia with Mango Salad, a delightful Caribbean-inspired dish perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry before applying the spice rub to ensure maximum flavor adherence and a crispy exterior.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for the best golden-brown sear on your fish.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tilapia—cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect crisp.
- Choose a ripe but firm mango for the salad to balance sweetness and texture.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing the rub to enhance their aromatic qualities.
- Let the tilapia rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its moisture and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
