Tilapia with Jasmine Rice

Sometimes, after a weekend of indulgent meals, you want to regroup with a simple supper that is light and nourishing. When I need a reset, I pick up some fillets of tilapia and reach into the pantry for delicate and aromatic jasmine rice. With a few well-chosen seasonings and a little store-bought dressing as a quick marinade, you can have this fish on the table in under half an hour.

Ingredients for Tilapia with Jasmine Rice

• Jasmine rice: This fragrant type of rice cooks to a tender and fluffy texture.
• Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter to add richness and flavor to the rice and the tilapia.
• Cumin: The warm, earthy flavor complements seafood.
• Seafood seasoning: This blend of spices is specifically designed to enhance the flavor of seafood, adding complexity to the dish.
• Tilapia fillets: Tilapia is a mild-flavored and inexpensive type of fish. It’s a good choice for this recipe due to its delicate texture.
• Italian salad dressing: Used as a marinade for the tilapia, a good salad dressing adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

Directions 

Step 1: Cook the rice

In a small saucepan, combine the water, rice and butter, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the tilapia

Meanwhile, mix the cumin, seafood seasoning, salt and pepper and sprinkle over the tilapia. In a large skillet, heat the salad dressing over medium heat until hot. Add the fillets and cook until the fish just begins to flake easily with a fork, three to four minutes per side.

Serve the tilapia with cooked rice.

Recipe Variations 

• Incorporate vegetables: Saute vegetables like broccoli, carrots or bell peppers in the skillet before adding the tilapia for a more colorful meal. Set them aside in a covered dish while you cook the fish. They’ll still be warm enough to serve without dirtying another pan!
• Serve with a sauce: top the cooked tilapia with a dollop of tartar sauce, lemon butter, fresh salsa or aioli.
• Experiment with different seasonings: Use paprika, garlic powder, or garlic and ginger, to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Use a different grain: Replace the jasmine rice with blended rice or a rice and grain pilaf to add more color and nutrition to the dish.

How to Store Tilapia with Jasmine Rice

To store leftovers, separate the fish and rice into airtight containers. The fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the rice can be stored for up to four days.

Can you freeze tilapia with jasmine rice?

Because so much seafood has already been frozen and then defrosted, we generally discourage freezing it again even after cooking as that can negatively impact the texture. You can freeze leftover rice, though! It reheats beautifully and is a great timesaver for future meals.

How do you reheat tilapia with jasmine rice?

Reheat the rice and fish separately to prevent overcooking the fish. You can reheat the fish in the microwave or on the stovetop, and the rice can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Tilapia with Jasmine Rice Tips

Can you use a different kind of fish? 

You can absolutely use a different type of fish to make this recipe. Substitute branzino, trout, flounder or any other thin fillets of whitefish. You can also substitute larger pieces of cod, halibut or mahi mahi, though you may need to adjust the cooking time to give thicker fillets more time to cook through.

How can I tell when the fish is cooked through?

Overcooking tilapia can make it dry and tough. Tilapia fillets are on the thin side, so it’s best to err on the side of undercooking the fillets slightly and then letting them rest for a few minutes to finish cooking. Look for a flaky texture and an opaque appearance. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature. Tilapia is cooked when it reaches 145°F.

What goes well with tilapia and jasmine rice?

Serve the tilapia and rice with a chopped garden salad or a vegetable medley for a balanced and satisfying meal.