Flaky, tender tilapia takes center stage in this unbelievably delicious recipe, elevated by a creamy, subtly spicy poblano pepper sauce. Forget bland fish dinners! This recipe delivers a vibrant flavor profile that's surprisingly easy to achieve, perfect for a weeknight meal or a sophisticated dinner party. The rich, smoky notes of the poblano peppers beautifully complement the delicate taste of the tilapia, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine succulent fish coated in a luscious sauce, served alongside your favorite sides – the possibilities are endless!
This simple yet elegant dish is surprisingly quick to prepare, proving that gourmet meals don't have to be complicated. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this irresistible Tilapia with Poblano Pepper Cream Sauce.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Absorbent paper towels
Ingredients
- Tilapia fillets: 1 per person
- Lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Poblano pepper: 1 large
- Jalapeño peppers: 1-2
- Onion: 1 medium
- Garlic clove: 1 large
- Milk
- Crema (Mexican cream)
- Chicken bouillon powder
- Flour
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable oil
- Cilantro
- Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Tilapia and Poblano Peppers
- Rinse and dry tilapia fillets. Cut them in half.
- Marinate tilapia with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for 20 minutes.
- Roast, peel, seed, and thinly slice the poblano pepper.
- Slice jalapeños and onion thinly; finely chop the garlic.
Step 2. Make the Poblano Pepper Cream Sauce
- Sauté onions and jalapeños in hot oil until onions are half golden (approx. 6-7 minutes).
- Add garlic, poblano strips, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add milk to lower the pan temperature, then add chicken bouillon, crema, and stir well.
Step 3. Cook the Tilapia
- Season flour with salt and garlic powder.
- Dredge tilapia fillets in seasoned flour.
- Melt butter in hot oil in a pan.
- Pan-fry tilapia fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve fish over rice, topped with pepper cream sauce.
Read more: Quick & Easy Pantry Mexican Rice with Rotel
Tips
- This recipe doesn't require an oven.
- Marinate the fish and prepare the pepper cream sauce ahead of time for faster cooking.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the poblano peppers with other peppers?
Yes! Mild peppers like bell peppers will reduce the spice, while jalapeños or serranos will add more heat. Adjust the amount to your preference.
2. What can I serve with this Tilapia dish?
This tilapia pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Consider cilantro-lime rice for a complementary flavor profile.
This easy Tilapia with Poblano Pepper Cream Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a sophisticated taste with minimal effort. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy sauce and flaky fish, and don't hesitate to experiment with different spices and sides to personalize this dish to your liking. Happy cooking!