Imagine a dish that combines the crispy comfort of perfectly baked red potatoes with the bold, spicy kick of Cajun-seasoned tilapia - a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. This Southern-inspired recipe is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that will transport you to the vibrant kitchens of Louisiana, promising a dining experience that's both indulgent and surprisingly simple to create.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large red potatoes
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash red potatoes thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Pierce potatoes multiple times with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
- While potatoes are baking, season tilapia fillets evenly with Cajun seasoning on both sides, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook tilapia for 2-3 minutes per side until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise and gently scoop out the interior, leaving a thin potato shell.
- Flake the cooked tilapia into small pieces and mix with sour cream in a separate bowl.
- Fill potato shells with tilapia mixture, top with shredded cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Choose medium to large red potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best texture and presentation.
- For extra flavor, consider using a homemade Cajun seasoning blend instead of store-bought to control spice levels.
- Ensure your tilapia is patted dry before seasoning to help the Cajun spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Don't overcook the tilapia - it should be just opaque and easily flake with a fork to maintain moisture.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before scooping to prevent burning your hands and to help maintain the potato shell's structural integrity.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream without losing creaminess.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or smoked gouda for depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
