Saturday, July 24, 2010

Chili Rubbed Tilapia

Lots of people don't care for fish, many are just afraid to cook it.  Unless you have to clean the fish, don't be afraid.  Fish is fairly simple to prepare and is perfect for times when you want something really good, healthy and quick to eat.

Growing up, we usually had fish one of two ways, fried or with a lemon butter sauce.  Then came Chef Paul Prudhomme and his blackening phenomenon.  I'm not particularly fond of digesting carbon so I shy away from "blackened" foods...just sayin'. 

The cooks of today are so creative and there is such a wide variety of seasonings and herbs available, so why not give fish a little love?

This is a loose rendition of one of Bobby Flay's recipes.  I'm not a huge fan a chili powder but in this instance, I became a fan.  In fact you'll see in the near future how brave I am getting with chili powder...go figure.

I made this last Friday night for dinner and I can pretty much guarantee you I will make it again this weekend.  A.J. was really disappointed when he wanted seconds and there was none.



Combine 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a shallow plate. Dredge fillets in the spice mixture to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the fish filets (approx. 1 lb. or 2 tilapia filets - alternately use any sturdy white fish)




Cook fish until just opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side.


Remove and plate.  Immediately top with approximately 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.  Look at that color!  Serve and savor! 


Lagniappe - don't let the goodies left in the skillet go to waste.   Toss some fresh zucchini, par boiled asparagus or even green beans in the skillet.  Toss them around in the seasonings and heat them up and serve as a side.

Have a fun and safe weekend!!!


15 comments:

tamilyn said...

Tilapia is one of the only fish I eat-not a 'fishy' taste fan. This looks really good. I'll need to look for some fish next shopping trip!

Pat Tillett said...

I love fish! I also love that it's easy to cook!

Joanne said...

I love fish, especially with all of these bold flavors!

Sweet Tea said...

That looks "Slap-your-Mama-good"! Wish I were there for dinner.

Tara said...

Ohhhh...I LOVE fish!! and yours looks so yummy! I bet it would be good as a fish taco too!! Gonna try this recipe real soon! THX!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This is a recipe I simply have to try. The ease with which it comes together makes it a winner in my book. I hope the day treats you well. Blessings...Mary

Chris said...

I don't mind cooking fish for the family since they all love it, I just make extra sides for me those nights.

Speaking of sides, fantastic idea of using the goodies from the pan cooked fish to rock a side dish. Great tip.

Big Dude said...

That's some great looking fish Katherine

Plain Chicken said...

Looks good. My hubby would love this!

gigi said...

I love ocean fish, not so much fresh water fish. We do eat Talapia a lot. I'll try this next time! Yum.

Marguerite said...

You know I love fish and this recipe looks divine, cher! I use chili pepper quite often and love the flavor that it creates. Cheers!

Julie said...

I love tilapia...perfect for a fish novice like me. Yours turned out super looking!

Velva said...

Even a slight rendition of a Bobby Flay recipe has to be delicious. Your dish looks wonderful. Love the idea of the chili powder. Nice.

buffalodick said...

I love seafood! This looks great!

The JR said...

My husband can eat fish everyday. I like it about once a week at the most.

This does look very good.