Welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, I am excited to share with you one of my go-to recipes that’s both savory and spicy: Spicy Tilapia Rice. This dish is a complete meal on its own, featuring tender tilapia fillets seasoned with spices and served over a bed of flavorful rice cooked to perfection in a rice cooker. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, let’s get started! We’ve made this spicy tilapia rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

spicy tilapia rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 1 cup of rice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon of onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Pat dry each tilapia fillet with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet.
  4. Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  5. Add minced garlic and jalapeño pepper to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
  6. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with garlic and jalapeño mixture.
  7. Divide the rice among four plates and place a tilapia fillet on top of each serving of rice.
  8. Garnish each plate with a wedge of lime and serve hot.

spicy tilapia rice

How long does spicy tilapia rice last in the fridge?

Spicy tilapia rice can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after cooking. To ensure maximum freshness and safety, it is important to cool the rice quickly after cooking and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, make sure to heat the rice thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any potential bacteria. If the rice smells or looks off at any time during storage, it is best to discard it.

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Low calorie spicy tilapia rice recipe substitutions

To make this Spicy Tilapia Rice recipe lower in calories, there are a few substitutions that can be made. Firstly, you can use a low-calorie oil spray instead of 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Secondly, for the rice, you can use cauliflower rice or brown rice to reduce calorie intake. Thirdly, to reduce calories, you can opt for a mild spice level and use less salt in the recipe. Finally, you can reduce the amount of fish in the recipe and add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots to increase the nutritional value and volume of the dish. By making these substitutions, the recipe can be made lower in calorie without compromising on taste or flavor.

What to serve with a spicy tilapia rice?

There are several great side dish options to serve with spicy tilapia rice. One classic choice is a simple garden salad, with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Another option is seasoned roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. You could also pair the meal with garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful rice and sauce. For a light and refreshing addition, consider serving chilled fruit, such as diced watermelon or pineapple. Depending on your personal taste and dietary preferences, any of these options would be a tasty and complementary addition to the spicy tilapia rice entree.

Whats the best sauce for a spicy tilapia rice?

When it comes to pairing a sauce with spicy tilapia rice, there are several options to choose from depending on your personal preference. One delicious option is a creamy garlic-butter sauce, which complements the spiciness of the dish and adds a rich, decadent flavor. Another option is a tangy and slightly sweet mango salsa, which provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of the rice and fish. You could also consider a spicy tomato-based sauce, such as a homemade pico de gallo or a store-bought hot sauce, to add even more heat and complexity to the dish. Ultimately, the best sauce for spicy tilapia rice is the one that you like the most, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect match for your taste buds.

Spicy tilapia rice health benefits

Eating spicy tilapia rice can have several health benefits. Tilapia is a low-fat, high-protein fish that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and can help lower the risk of heart disease. Spices like chili pepper, ginger, and garlic can also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help boost immune function and protect against chronic diseases. However, it’s important to note that the healthfulness of a dish depends on how it’s prepared. If the rice is heavily processed and loaded with sodium, or if the fish is fried in unhealthy oils, then the dish may not be as healthy. To make a even healthier dish, try swapping white rice for brown rice and bake or grill the tilapia instead of frying it. Adding vegetables like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can also increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.

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