Savory Puerto Rican Tilapia Stew
Embrace the rich and vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this Savory Tilapia Stew, a quick and delightful spin on the traditional Bacalao. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish combines tender tilapia, fresh vegetables, and a hint of spice in a zesty tomato base. Serve it with crusty rolls to soak up the delicious juices or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. Whether you're entertaining guests or whipping up a family dinner, this stew is sure to transport your taste buds to the Caribbean warmth.
4
Servings
162.5
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillet
1 lb (cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
chili pepper
1 (chopped (Anaheim or poblano preferred))
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
pimento stuffed olives
2 tablespoons (sliced)
capers
1 tablespoon (rinsed)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
water
1/2 cup (as needed)
avocado
1 (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Gently add the tilapia (or your choice of flaky white fish) along with the diced tomatoes and their juices, chopped chili pepper, chopped cilantro, sliced olives, capers, dried oregano, and salt. Stir the mixture to evenly coat the fish.
5
If the stew appears too thick, pour in up to 1/2 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the fish to become tender.
7
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the stew warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped avocado if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Puerto Rican Tilapia Stew?
It is a quick and vibrant fish stew inspired by traditional Puerto Rican Bacalao, featuring tender tilapia in a zesty tomato and herb base.
What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
Tilapia fillets are recommended, but any flaky white fish can be used as a substitute.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the calories per serving for this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 162.5 calories.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What should I serve with Puerto Rican Tilapia Stew?
It is traditionally served with crusty rolls to soak up the juices or over a bed of rice.
Which chili peppers are recommended for this stew?
Anaheim or poblano peppers are preferred for their mild heat and flavor.
What gives the stew its briny flavor?
The combination of pimento-stuffed olives and capers provides the signature salty, briny notes.
How should the tilapia be prepared before cooking?
The tilapia fillets should be cut into 1.5-inch pieces before being added to the skillet.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer covered for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Chopped avocado is suggested as a garnish for added creaminess and flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 6.25g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11.25g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This stew contains 11.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the thickness of the stew?
Yes, you can add up to 1/2 cup of water to achieve your desired consistency if the stew appears too thick.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including their juices.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves for a robust aromatic flavor.
What type of oil is used for sauteing?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic.
Is fresh cilantro required?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh chopped cilantro is used to provide an authentic Caribbean taste.
Can I serve this stew at room temperature?
Yes, the stew can be served warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food due to its hearty and satisfying nature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients, including the optional avocado garnish.
Should the capers be rinsed?
Yes, the recipe suggests rinsing the tablespoon of capers before adding them.
What kind of onion is needed?
One medium chopped onion is used for the base of the stew.
Is the oregano fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How do I start the cooking process?
Start by heating the olive oil in a large high-sided skillet or Dutch oven until shimmering.
How do I know when the onions are ready?
The onions are ready after about 2 minutes of sautéing when they become softened and translucent.
What is the source of the stew's acidity?
The acidity comes from the diced tomatoes, their juices, and the capers.
Can this be made without tilapia?
Yes, any white fish that flakes easily is a suitable alternative for this stew.
Is the salt amount fixed?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust to taste.