Costa Rican Tilapia

Dive into the tropical flavors of Costa Rican cuisine with this vibrant and healthy Costa Rican Tilapia recipe! Featuring tender, flaky tilapia fillets marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, this dish is a true taste of paradise. Served alongside fragrant coconut-infused rice and a colorful medley of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, each bite is a burst of fresh, citrusy, and mildly smoky flavors. The addition of soy sauce and fresh cilantro adds the perfect balance of umami and brightness to this Caribbean-inspired meal. Ready in just 50 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or tropical dinner parties. Treat your taste buds to a getaway with this irresistible Costa Rican tilapia dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces tilapia fillets
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Step 3

Brush the tilapia fillets on both sides with the marinade. Let them sit for 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the uncooked white rice.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.

Step 6

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and onion.

Step 7

Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, then stir in the soy sauce for a touch of umami flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 8

Heat another non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Cook the marinated tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Step 9

Right before serving, garnish the tilapia with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 10

To serve, place a scoop of coconut rice on each plate, top with a cooked tilapia fillet, and serve the sautéed vegetables on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1877.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1828.4

Total Fat 42.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 228mg	0%
Sodium 3254.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 234.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.6g	0%
Total Sugars 41.5g
Protein 128.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 290.6mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 3634.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.0%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 51.0%