Hot and Spicy Tilapia with Peppers and Carrots
A flavorful one-pan fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets simmered with hot peppers, carrots, and garlic. The peppers are sautéed until softened, creating a spicy base that infuses the fish with bold flavor. This versatile dish can be served warm for dinner or at room temperature as part of a mezze spread. The gentle braising method keeps the fish moist while allowing the vegetables to meld into a savory, aromatic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 light green hot peppers, slicedjalapeños1:1spice
adjust quantity to taste
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 10 cloves garlic, sliced
- 6 tilapia filletscod1:1fish
similar mild white fish
- 1 tablespoon fish seasoningOld Bay1:1flavor
or any seafood seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch black pepper
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat
- 2
Add hot peppers and sauté for 20 minutes
- 3
Add carrots and garlic and sauté an additional 15 minutes
- 4
Add fish fillets being careful that they don't overlap
- 5
Season fillets with fish seasoning, salt, paprika, and pepper
- 6
Pour water into pan
- 7
Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes
- 8
Remove from heat and let cool
Tips
Use a large enough pan to avoid overlapping fish fillets for even cooking
The dish can be served warm or at room temperature making it versatile for different occasions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Good to Know
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Can be made up to 2 days ahead and served at room temperature
Serve warm or at room temperature with rice or bread
Common Mistakes
Don't overlap fish fillets to ensure even cooking
Don't skip the long pepper sauté time as it develops the base flavor
Substitutions
adjust quantity to taste
FAQ
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the pan.
What if I can't find light green hot peppers?
Use banana peppers or Anaheim peppers for similar mild heat and texture.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight.