Introduction
If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a quick and delicious meal, this spice-coated fish recipe is the perfect choice. The blend of spices creates a flavorful crust while keeping the fish tender and flaky. It’s an ideal dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Spice Mix:
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dry mustard
– ¾ teaspoon table salt
– ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Freshly ground black pepper
To Cook:
– 4 firm white fish fillets (approximately 150g/5oz each)
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 minutes
Total Time
14 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Enjoy this flavorful dish as a main course, paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
In a shallow dish, combine all the Spice Mix ingredients: paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dry mustard, table salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Coat the Fish Fillets
Take the fish fillets and coat both sides with the prepared Spice Mix. Make sure that each fillet has an even layer of spices. Gently shake off any excess spice mix to avoid clumping.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a large, heavy-based skillet on medium-high heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
Step 4: Cook the Fish Fillets
Carefully place the coated fish fillets in the hot skillet. Cook until the spice coating turns blackened without burning, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook the other side until the fish is cooked through. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets; for 1.5 cm (3/5 inch) thick fillets, aim for around 2 minutes per side.
Step 5: Serve the Fish
Once cooked, remove the fish fillets from the skillet and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Fish Selection
Choose firm white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or tilapia for best results.
Spice Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving the fish with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
Cook techniques
Spice Mix Preparation
Combine all the spice mix ingredients in a shallow dish and mix thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.
Coating the Fish
Evenly coat both sides of each fish fillet with the spice mix, ensuring to shake off any excess to prevent burning during cooking.
Heating the Skillet
Use a large, heavy-based skillet for even heat distribution and preheat it over medium-high heat with extra virgin olive oil.
Cooking the Fish
Place the coated fish fillets in the skillet. Cook until the spice coating turns blackened but not burnt, then flip and continue cooking until the fish is cooked through.
Serving the Fish
Serve the fish immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before coating and cooking.
What type of white fish works best for this recipe?
Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia is ideal for this recipe as they hold up well during cooking.
How can I adjust the spice level?
You can adjust the cayenne pepper to taste or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use different spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add spices according to your preference while keeping the basic spice mix balance intact.
What can I serve with the fish?
This spice-coated fish pairs well with sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The spice mix used for the fish fillets creates a delightful combination of flavors that enhance the natural taste of the fish. The blackened coating adds a delicious crunch, making this dish a quick and enjoyable option for any meal. Pairing the seasoned fish with fresh sides can further elevate the dining experience.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
A colorful mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs makes for a perfect side dish to complement the seasoned fish.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Serve the fish alongside fragrant rice mixed with cilantro and fresh lime juice to bring a zesty and refreshing balance to the meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
For seafood lovers, adding garlic butter sautéed shrimp can enhance the dish with a rich, savory flavor profile that pairs well with the fish.
Quinoa Salad with Avocado
A light quinoa salad featuring diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon gives a nutritious and fresh option to enjoy with the fish.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and paprika create a deliciously sweet and spicy contrast to the spiced fish fillets.
Coleslaw with a Tangy Dressing
A crisp coleslaw with a tangy dressing can add a crunchy texture and a slight acidity that balances the richness of the blackened fish.
