Week 6 Recipes 1 & 2: Blackened Tilapia & Chipotle Corn

Both recipes from Aaron McCargo, Jr.

Tilapia

Blackening spice:

• 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Fish:

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

In a small bowl combine all of the spices. Press a heaping tablespoon of the spice mix onto each fillet so that both sides are liberally coated. Allow the fish to sit for 15 minutes at room temperature prior to cooking.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is almost smoking, add the fillets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with lemon juice and transfer the fillets to serving platter. 

Results: I didn't have grapeseed oil, paprika or garlic powder so I winged it adding more cayenne (too much for me) and some cumin.  I subbed EVOO and butter for the grapeseed oil.  I didn't love this.  It looked good but I was not delighted by the flavor.  Probably would've helped if I'd measured the ingredients I DID have... just a guess.

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Chipotle Corn  

• 8 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onion
• 2 chipotle peppers, minced
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Preheat the grill to medium.

Arrange the corn on the grill and cook, turning frequently, until the corn is slightly charred, about 12 to 15 minutes

Remove the corn from the grill to a cutting board and let cool. Cut the kernels from the cobs with a sharp knife and transfer to a serving bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients and toss to combine. 

Results: I don't have a grill and it's not summer so no fresh corn.  Instead I boiled frozen corn and the last few minutes pulsed in the food processor the onion, garlic, salt and chipotle then added it to the corn to knock off some of that raw onion & garlic flavor.  AWE.SOME!!!  I will definitely make this again!  The lime juice kicked it up a notch!  I have a new go to dish!  Easy and delicious!!  (And I left out the green onion & bell pepper.)