Tilapia fillets are pan-fried until golden brown and served with a fresh salsa made from roasted tomatillos, serrano peppers, lime and cilantro.

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound tomatillos, peeled, rinsed and quartered
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 serrano or other chiles, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 3 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 4 tilapia fillets (or any inexpensive white fish)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  • To make the tomatillo salsa (canned tomatillo salsa can be used instead of fresh):
  • Prepare the tomatillos by peeling back the husk from the smooth green tomatillo skin. Rinse the tomatillos with warm water and cut into quarters.
  • Place the husked tomatillos, onion, chilies, garlic and 1 teaspoon oil in the baking pan, stir well and transfer to the oven. Roast about 20 minutes until the tomatillos are soft and dark green. Set aside to cool.
  • Transfer the tomatillo mixture to the blender. Add salt, lime juice and cilantro, and puree.
  • To cook the tilapia:
  • Place the skillet on the stove over high heat. When it is hot, carefully add 2 teaspoons oil.
  • Put the tilapia fillets in the pan, waiting about 30 seconds between fillets. Cook about 5-6 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Heat fish to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
  • Transfer the tilapia to the serving plate and top with generous amounts of salsa. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo courtesy of What’s Cooking? USDA Mixing Bowl.

Nutrition Information

Amount per serving

Calories

181

% DV*
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 
Cholesterol 48mg
Sodium 196mg
Total Carbs 9g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 5g
Added Sugars 0g
Protein 23g
Vitamin D 3mcg
Calcium 32mg
Iron 1mg
Potassium 595mg

*Percent Daily Values are included where available. They are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.