Frying a whole fish can be an intimidating task, especially when it comes to traditional dishes that carry memories of home and family. However, I recently rediscovered how simple and enjoyable it can be to recreate one of my favorite Colombian dishes, Mojarra Frita, right in my own kitchen. Paired with arroz de coco and a fresh side salad, this meal is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Mojarra Frita:
- 1 whole cleaned Chilean tilapia ($6 at ShopRite)
- 1 sazon packet
- Adobo seasoning
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Flour
- Lime juice
- Avocado oil (enough to coat the bottom of your pan with a half-inch layer)
- Fresh lime and cilantro for serving
- Arroz de Coco:
- [Your preferred recipe or pre-made]
- Side Salad:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers (all fresh from a local farmer’s stand)
Instructions:
Preparing the Fish:
- Marinate the Fish:
- Score the tilapia on both sides to allow the marinade to penetrate the fish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sazon packet, adobo seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and enough flour to create a paste when combined with lime juice.
- Coat the fish thoroughly with this paste and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.
Cooking the Fish:
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough avocado oil into your pan to create a half-inch layer and heat it to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the Fish:
- Carefully place the marinated fish into the hot oil.
- Fry the fish for about 6 minutes on each side, spooning the hot oil over the fish as it cooks to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Once cooked, remove the fish from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel.
Preparing the Side Dishes:
- Arroz de Coco:
- While the fish is marinating, prepare your arroz de coco. This can be done using your favorite recipe or a pre-made version if you’re short on time.
- Side Salad:
- Assemble a simple salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the fish and rice.
Serving:
Plate the crispy, golden-brown Mojarra Frita alongside a generous serving of arroz de coco and a fresh side salad. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Tips:
- Eliminating Muddy Flavor: Tilapia is known for having a muddy flavor. To eliminate this, you can soak the fish in milk for 4 hours prior to cooking.
A Taste of Home
This meal is more than just a dish; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the beaches of Colombia, where I enjoyed Mojarra Frita with my grandma. Now, I’m grateful to share this tradition with my daughter, creating new memories in our Colombian-American way. It’s a simple yet heartwarming way to bring a taste of home to our table.
So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t hesitate to pick up a whole tilapia and try your hand at this delicious and easy meal. It might just become a new favorite in your household too.
