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5.0 from 3 votes

Tilapia Veracruz with Saffron Rice Recipe

In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy Tilapia Veracruz with Saffron Rice. The salty Castellano olives and cinnamon blend perfectly with fragrant saffron rice for a quick, tasty meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 496 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: European

Ingredients

For the Rice
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 8 saffron threads
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
  • Juice of 1 lime
For the Tilapia Veracruz
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Jalapeño minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic 
  • 6 scallions sliced
  • 2 14-ounce cans no-salt-added diced tomatoes
  • zest of 1 lime
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 tilapia fillets
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
  • 1/2 cup chopped Castellano olives

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine the rice, saffron, garlic powder, and turmeric with 2 cups of water in a medium pot. Heat over medium until the water level dips below the rice. Cover, turn the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Keeping the pot covered, turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Squeeze in the lime juice and fluff with a fork.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the jalapeño, minced garlic, and scallions and cook for 1 minute. Add the canned tomatoes (with juices) along with the lime zest, cinnamon, bay leaf, and 1 cup of water. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
  3. While the sauce is simmering, pat the fish fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook for 2-4 minutes per side, or until opaque and cooked through.
  4. Stir the oregano and olives into the sauce and turn off the heat. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve the fish fillets over a bed of rice, topped with a generous portion of sauce.

Notes

  • Store Tilapia Veracruz with Saffron Rice by placing leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, place it in a container for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 496kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 62g (21%) Protein 27g (54%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.02g Cholesterol 53mg (18%) Sodium 331mg (14%) Potassium 538mg (15%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 377IU (8%) Vitamin C 13mg (14%) Calcium 113mg (11%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 496

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 496kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 62g 21%
Protein 27g 54%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.02g 1%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 331mg 14%
Potassium 538mg 11%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 377IU 8%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 113mg 11%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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