Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz
Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz Recipe - Authentic Mexican Dish
Introduction
Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender fish fillets with a zesty avocado and tomato salsa. The dish is served with fragrant yellow rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
History
This recipe is inspired by the traditional cuisine of Veracruz, a coastal region in Mexico known for its vibrant and fresh flavors. The combination of fresh seafood with bright and bold ingredients like avocado, tomato, and hot pepper sauce is a hallmark of Veracruz-style cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 avocado, peeled and finely diced
- 1 tomato, diced (about 0.75 cup)
- 0.25 cup sliced green onions
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 0.25 tsp hot pepper sauce
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 lb (680 g) fillets (cod, sole, or halibut)
- 2 tsp butter or margarine, melted
- salt and ground black pepper
Yellow rice
- Enough rice to make 2 cups cooked
- Replace water with chicken broth
- A pinch of saffron or 0.25 tsp turmeric
How to prepare
- Combine avocado, tomato, onions, lemon juice, oil, pepper sauce, and salt; set aside.
- Place on a lightly buttered shallow baking pan. Brush with butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Broil 2 to 3 inches from heat for about 5 to 8 minutes or until flakes easily.
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Top with avocado mixture and serve with yellow rice.
- Serve with additional hot pepper sauce, if desired.
Yellow rice
- Cook rice according to package directions using chicken broth and a pinch of saffron or 0.25 tsp turmeric.
Variations
- You can use different types of fish fillets in this recipe, such as tilapia, cod, or salmon, depending on your preference.
- Add diced bell peppers or olives to the avocado salsa for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute the yellow rice with quinoa or couscous for a different twist on this dish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to brush the fish fillets with melted margarine before broiling to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can also serve additional hot pepper sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
- Be careful not to overcook the fish fillets, as they can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on them while broiling and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. You can also pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing citrus-infused drink.
Cooking Techniques
Broiling the fish fillets gives them a nice charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and flaky. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets to prevent them from overcooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have avocado, you can use guacamole or a store-bought avocado salsa as a quick alternative. You can also substitute the hot pepper sauce with chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the avocado salsa and marinate the fish fillets ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store them in the refrigerator in separate airtight containers until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz on a large platter with the avocado salsa piled on top of the fish fillets for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs well with a crisp and citrusy white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You can also serve it with a light and refreshing beer, like a pilsner or wheat beer, to complement the flavors of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish fillets in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz contains approximately 400 calories, making it a moderate-calorie meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Carbohydrates
Yellow rice provides a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 30 grams per serving. The avocado and tomato salsa also contribute some carbohydrates, making this dish a balanced meal.
Fats
The avocado in this dish is a rich source of healthy fats, providing monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. The fish fillets also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function and overall well-being.
Proteins
Each serving of Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz contains approximately 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The fish fillets are a lean source of protein, while the avocado and rice also contribute some protein to the dish.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and lemon juice, vitamin E from the avocado, and various B vitamins from the fish fillets. The yellow rice also provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe contains fish and avocado, which are common allergens for some individuals. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to substitute them with suitable alternatives.
Summary
Overall, Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Summary
Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender fish fillets with a zesty avocado and tomato salsa. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a complete and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and vibrant dish with your family and friends for a memorable dining experience.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to try. As I sifted through the crumpled papers and faded index cards, my eyes landed on a worn piece of parchment tucked away in the back.
Curious, I unfolded the paper and read the title: Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz. Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the flavors melding together in a symphony of tastes and aromas.
I could almost picture the bustling streets of Veracruz, Mexico, where this dish originated. The vibrant colors of the market stalls, the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, the tantalizing scents wafting from street food carts – it all came flooding back to me in that moment.
I knew I had to make this dish, to bring a piece of Veracruz into my own kitchen. But first, I needed to gather the ingredients. I made a list and set off to the grocery store, humming with excitement as I picked out fresh vegetables, fragrant spices, and a plump fillet of white fish.
Back at home, I set to work, chopping, sautéing, and simmering with a sense of purpose. The kitchen filled with the intoxicating aroma of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, creating a sensory feast that transported me back to the lively streets of Veracruz.
As the rice turned a golden hue and the fish fillets cooked to tender perfection, I couldn't help but marvel at the magic unfolding before me. This wasn't just a recipe – it was a connection to a place and a people, a taste of a culture rich in history and tradition.
When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. I took a bite, savoring the complex flavors that danced on my tongue – the tangy tomatoes, the earthy cumin, the delicate sweetness of the fish.
I closed my eyes and let the taste transport me, back to that bustling market in Veracruz, where the air was filled with the music of laughter and chatter, where the sea breeze carried the promise of adventure and discovery.
From that day on, Yellow Rice and Fish Fillets Veracruz became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to faraway places and distant memories. Each time I made it, I felt a sense of gratitude for the people and the cultures that had shaped this dish, for the richness and diversity of our world.
And so, as I sit here now, penning these words and sharing this recipe with you, I invite you to embark on your own culinary journey, to taste the flavors of Veracruz and beyond, to savor the stories that each dish holds within its ingredients.
May this recipe bring you joy, may it spark your curiosity, may it inspire you to explore the world through the universal language of food. And may you always remember that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the flavors we create, but in the stories we tell with each and every bite. Bon appétit!
Categories
| Avocado Recipes | Fish Recipes | Halibut Recipes | Main Dish Seafood Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Rice Recipes | Tomato Recipes |