
09/26/2025
Delicious Tilapia with Guajillo Garlic Cream
Ingredients:
4 Tilapia fillets (about 150-180g each) (tilapia fillets)
2 Guajillo chilies, dried (dried guajillo chilies)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (minced garlic cloves)
1/2 cup Heavy cream (heavy cream)
1/4 cup Chicken broth (chicken broth)
2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (unsalted butter)
1 tablespoon Olive oil (olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder (cumin powder)
1/4 teaspoon Smoked paprika (smoked paprika)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving (lime wedges, for serving)
Preparation:
1. Rehydrate the guajillo chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chilies. Place them in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the guajillo garlic cream: In a blender, combine the rehydrated guajillo chilies, minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, cumin powder, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the tilapia fillets in the pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tilapia is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cooked tilapia from the pan and set aside on a plate.
6. Finish the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the guajillo garlic cream sauce into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Return the cooked tilapia fillets to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish to coat.
8. Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 25 minutes (including chili rehydration)
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4
Note: For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of guajillo chilies or remove more of the seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.