Description
A vibrant, fresh, and healthy dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfectly seared white fish coated in a smoky spice blend meets cilantro lime rice, creamy guacamole, and tangy pickled onions for an explosion of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Fish
- 1.5 lbs cod (or tilapia/mahi-mahi)
- 1 tsp each: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt
- 1/2 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 lime (juiced)
For the Bowls
- Cilantro lime rice, Shredded cabbage/romaine
- Pico de gallo, Guacamole/avocado
- Pickled red onions, Poblano ranch/avocado crema
- Garnishes: Cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips
Instructions
Prep: Prepare all bowl components (shred cabbage, dice avocado, cook rice) before starting the fish, as it cooks very quickly.
Season: Pat fish fillets completely dry. Whisk dry spices together and sprinkle generously over both sides of the fish.
Sear: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear fish for 2 mins, flip, and cook 90–120 seconds more until opaque and flaky.
Finish: Remove from heat; squeeze fresh lime juice over the warm fish.
Assemble: Flake the fish into large pieces and layer into bowls over rice and cabbage. Add toppings and drizzle with dressing.
Notes
The Dryness Rule: Removing surface moisture is the absolute secret to getting a flavorful crust; otherwise, the fish will steam in the pan.
Fish Varieties: Cod is mild and sturdy. If using tilapia, remember it is thinner and will cook slightly faster than cod.
Shortcut: Using microwaveable 90-second rice bags can bring the total prep and cook time down to just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Searing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large bowl
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 75
Keywords: fish taco bowls, healthy cod recipes, quick seafood dinner, mexican fish bowl, 20 minute meal prep