Description
Coconut lime fish with avocado salsa brings tropical flavors to your dinner table. Crisp fish fillets coated in coconut and lime zest pair perfectly with fresh avocado salsa, creating a light and refreshing meal you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fish fillets (6 oz/170 g) (tilapia, cod, or snapper)
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) coconut milk
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ½ cup (75 g/2.6 oz) cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (for salsa)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate: Blend coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Submerge fish fillets completely, ensuring even coating. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Prepare Salsa: Dice avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Mix gently with lime juice and salt. Refrigerate to meld flavors while fish marinates.
- Cook Fish: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish from marinade, letting excess drip off. Sear fish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and easily flakes.
- Plate and Serve: Transfer fish to serving plates. Top with prepared avocado salsa. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Accompany with rice, quinoa, or green salad.
Notes
- Maximize Marinade Absorption: Pat fish dry before marinating to help the coconut-lime mixture penetrate deeply and enhance flavor infusion.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: Add lime juice to the salsa immediately to keep avocados fresh and prevent oxidation, maintaining vibrant green color and preventing discoloration.
- Achieve Perfect Sear: Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet for even heat distribution and create a golden-brown crust without sticking, ensuring crispy exterior and tender fish interior.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap fish with tofu or chicken for alternative protein options, and use gluten-free spices to make the recipe suitable for various dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg