Mexican Stew with Tilapia

There’s something comforting about a hearty stew, especially one that’s filled with vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients. Mexican Stew with Tilapia brings together the freshness of fish, the earthiness of vegetables, and the zesty brightness of lime, creating a dish that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds.

This delightful stew is not only a fantastic way to enjoy tilapia, a mild and flaky fish, but it is also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a wholesome meal option. The combination of new potatoes, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes adds both texture and depth of flavor, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this hearty Mexican stew is sure to impress.

Why make this recipe

Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious, and this Mexican Stew with Tilapia exemplifies that philosophy perfectly. The recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend lunches. It incorporates fresh produce and spices that are staples in Mexican cuisine, giving you an authentic taste right at home. Moreover, tilapia is a great source of lean protein, and with the addition of vegetables, this stew becomes a balanced meal that is good for your well-being.

One of the standout aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can create the stew with ingredients you already have on hand, making it a flexible option for the home cook. You might opt to switch tilapia for another white fish or even include additional vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. This adaptability means that you can enjoy this stew year-round, with each time bringing a slightly different yet equally delicious experience.

How to make Mexican Stew with Tilapia

To make a remarkable Mexican Stew with Tilapia, you will start by marinating the fish. This is a crucial step that infuses the tilapia with the zesty flavors of lime, enhancing its taste. You can season with Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to suit your taste preference. While the fish is soaking up those flavors, you can focus on the vegetables. Boiling the potatoes and corn together is not only time-efficient, but it also helps get them tender quickly, ensuring they blend well into the final dish.

In a large skillet, the real magic happens. Sautéing onions with thyme creates a fragrant base. When the garlic and ancho chile powder join the party, the aroma fills the kitchen and beckons everyone to the table. Introducing fire-roasted tomatoes to the pan adds a touch of smokiness that truly elevates the stew. The final touch is to add the marinated fish, letting it simmer until cooked through, ensuring that each piece absorbs all the delicious sauce created by the tomatoes and spices.

The final result is not only visually appealing with its bright colors and inviting aroma but also incredibly nourishing. Then, garnishing the stew with extra onion and cilantro, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus, makes for a truly spectacular presentation.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets, each cut into 4 pieces
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 limes (2 juiced, 1 cut into wedges)
• 1/2 pound new potatoes, thickly sliced
• 4 small pieces frozen corn on the cob
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
• 1 bunch cilantro, leaves and tender stems coarsely chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added diced fire-roasted tomatoes

Directions

• Season the fish with salt and pepper, toss with lime juice, and set aside to marinate.
• Boil the potatoes in salted water; add the corn and cook covered until tender (about 8 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of cooking water, then drain.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté all but 1/3 cup of the chopped onion with thyme until softened (about 2 minutes).
• Add the garlic, chile powder, and half the cilantro; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the tomatoes and cook until slightly reduced (about 4 minutes).
• Add the cooked potatoes, corn, and the reserved cooking water to the skillet.
• Add the fish and its lime marinade; simmer, spooning sauce over the fish, until the fish is cooked through (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the stew in bowls, topped with the remaining onion and cilantro, with lime wedges on the side.

Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

How to serve Mexican Stew with Tilapia

Serving Mexican Stew with Tilapia is a chance to showcase its vibrant colors and flavors. Gather your guests around a table, and present the stew in a large bowl or individual portions. The bright green of the cilantro, the golden hue of the corn, and the rich red of the tomatoes create a visual treat that is hard to resist. Provide extra lime wedges so everyone can customize their dish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice; this enhances the flavors beautifully.

Pair the stew with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the brothy goodness that is rich with spices and aromas. A fresh salad on the side can complement the meal nicely, adding a refreshing crunch. For a beverage, consider serving chilled cucumber water or a light Mexican lager which will wonderfully balance the flavors of the stew.

How to store Mexican Stew with Tilapia

Storing Mexican Stew with Tilapia is easy, making it a great dish to prepare in advance. Allow the stew to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its flavors. If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing the stew. Place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The stew can last in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to revive its texture. If you choose to microwave, cover the container to prevent splatter and reheat in intervals, stirring in between for even warming.

Tips to make Mexican Stew with Tilapia

To ensure your Mexican Stew with Tilapia turns out perfectly every time, consider a few handy tips. First, don’t skip the marinating step for the tilapia; this enhances its flavor exponentially. You can experiment with different herbs or spices in the seasoning mix based on what you have on hand; cumin and oregano can add delightful notes to the dish.

Make sure to not overcook the tilapia; it is ideal when it is just cooked through, flaky but still moist. If you find that your stew is too thick upon reheating, adding a little bit of water or broth can help achieve the desired consistency. Be careful with salting the stew, especially since you are using fire-roasted tomatoes that can already have added salt; taste as you go.

Variation

No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Fresh corn cut off the cob can be used as a delightful alternative to frozen corn.

Q: What if I’m not a fan of tilapia?
A: If tilapia isn’t to your taste, feel free to substitute it with another white fish like cod or sole, which will work wonderfully in the stew.

Q: Can I make this stew ahead of time?
A: Yes, this stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently when ready to serve.