Spicy Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia with Cilantro-Lime Zest
If you think you don't like fish, this Spicy Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia will change your mind! The delicious tilapia fillets are coated in a crunchy, flavorful corn tortilla crust spiced with jalapeño, chili powder, and cumin, giving each bite a delightful kick. Coupled with fresh cilantro and a hint of lime, this dish infuses a burst of fresh flavors that are both hearty and refreshing. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can prepare the crumb crust in advance and freeze it, making this a quick, satisfying meal to whip up any day of the week. Enjoy it with a side of rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillets
4 (fresh, skinless)
corn tortillas
6 (torn into pieces)
jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and coarsely chopped)
lime juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
egg
1 (beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the torn corn tortillas, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, fresh cilantro, chili powder, ground cumin, and seasoning salt. Pulse the mixture until it resembles uniform small crumbs.
3
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg until well combined. This will help the crumb mixture adhere to the tilapia.
4
Take each tilapia fillet and first dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it generously with the prepared tortilla crumbs. Press the crumbs onto the fish to ensure they stick well.
5
Place the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia?
It is a dish where tilapia fillets are coated in a crunchy crust made from corn tortillas, jalapeño, and various spices, then baked until golden.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for four fresh, skinless tilapia fillets.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to cook the tilapia?
The fish typically takes about 15 minutes to bake, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
What ingredients make up the tortilla crust?
The crust consists of corn tortillas, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, fresh cilantro, chili powder, ground cumin, and seasoning salt.
How do I create the tortilla crumbs?
Combine the torn corn tortillas and other crust ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until they resemble uniform small crumbs.
What is the function of the egg in this recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the tortilla crumb mixture adhere to the fish fillets.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crumb crust in advance and even freeze it for later use.
How do I coat the tilapia fillets properly?
First dip the fillet into the beaten egg, allow the excess to drip off, then coat it generously with the tortilla crumbs, pressing them onto the fish.
Is this dish very spicy?
The dish has a 'delightful kick' from the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can adjust the spices to your preference.
What should I serve with Spicy Tortilla-Crusted Tilapia?
It pairs well with a side of rice or a crisp, fresh salad.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the baking sheet?
Coat the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Should the jalapeño be seeded?
Yes, the jalapeño should be seeded and coarsely chopped before being added to the food processor.
What type of tortillas are best for this recipe?
Corn tortillas are recommended as they provide the best crunch and flavor for the crust.
How much cilantro is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While bottled can work, the recipe recommends 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How many fillets does this recipe accommodate?
This specific recipe is designed for 4 tilapia fillets.
What should I do if my fillets are very thick?
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness, so check if the fish flakes easily with a fork to ensure it is done.
Are there any recommended garnishes?
You can garnish the finished dish with additional lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I freeze the tortilla crumb mixture?
Yes, the crumb mixture can be prepared and frozen to make future meal preparation even faster.
What is the texture of the cooked fish?
The tilapia itself is tender and flaky, while the tortilla coating provides a delightful crunch.
What spices are included for flavoring?
The recipe uses chili powder, ground cumin, and seasoning salt.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, or you can adjust it to taste.
How much seasoning salt is required?
Use 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, or adjust according to your preference.
How do I place the fish on the baking sheet?
Place the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is categorized as a healthy dinner option featuring baked seafood.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is a seafood dish, specifically a baked fish recipe with Mexican-inspired flavors.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a blender can also be used to pulse the tortilla mixture into crumbs.
What makes this dish refreshing?
The inclusion of fresh cilantro and a hint of lime zest provides a burst of fresh flavor.