≡ Menu

Spice-Rubbed Tilapia Tostadas

in Entrees

Spice-Rubbed Tilapia Tostadas that are colorful, healthy, and perfectly spicy.  Cooking these up for Tostada Tuesday makes for a fool-proof Mexican lunch or dinner.

Tilapia Tostadas 4Remember that time when I said I probably wouldn’t be posting many seafood recipes anytime soon?

Tilapia Tostadas 9Hah!  I should have known better.  As if I, Hannah, could keep myself from experimenting in the kitchen and sharing the delicious goodness with you.  I said it with good intentions.  But, lucky for you, that didn’t exactly pan out.

Tilapia Tostadas 10You see, when I find inspiration or when ideas randomly pop into my head, I have to roll with them.  That is exactly what happened following my most recent trip to Des Moines with Jeremy.  After I tried and loved the blackened-tilapia fish tacos from Granite City, I wanted to recreate something similar at home.

Tilapia Tostadas 7I did, however, decide to mix things up a bit.  Instead of tacos, I went with my other favorite crunchy Mexican dish: tostadas!  What’s not to love about tostadas?  They essentially taste like hard-shell tacos, but are way easier to eat and way less messy.  It’s a win-win.

P.S. In case you aren’t up on the proper tostada eating techniques, don’t bother with a fork.  Just pick them up and munch away!  It is the only way to eat them and actually get the toppings to stay on.

Tilapia Tostadas 3Spice-Rubbed Tilapia Tostadas

Serves 2 to 3

Ingredients

6 corn tortillas
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 TB paprika
1/2 TB onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 five ounce boneless and skinless tilapia fillets, wild-caught or sustainably farmed
1/2 cup spicy red pepper hummus
shredded lettuce
chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and/or salsa for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  Line one large or two medium baking sheets with a silicone baking mat or foil.  Spray lightly with cooking spray if using foil.  Place corn tortillas onto the baking sheet(s) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.  Remove from oven once crispy.  Set aside.

2. While the tortillas are baking, rinse tilapia under cool water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. Combine all seasonings to make spice rub.  Mix well.

4. Gently pat spice rub onto both sides of tilapia filets, covering them liberally.

5. Place tilapia filets onto medium baking sheet with silicone baking mat or foil that has been generously sprayed with olive oil cooking spray.

6. Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees F.  Bake for approximately 15 minutes.  Place oven on low broil and broil for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, or until fish becomes flaky and pulls apart easily with a fork.  Cut cooked tilapia into one-inch pieces.

7. Compile tostadas in the following order: corn tortilla, spicy hummus, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spice-rubbed tilapia pieces, and salsa.

Tilapia Tostadas 8For my first time ever cooking tilapia, I was pretty darn ecstatic with the results.  I totally winged it on the oven temperature and cooking time.  But the fish-cooking gods must have been looking out for me because the tilapia was perfectly flaky and crispy… oh, and deliciously spicy!

I am quite certain that the spice-rubbed tilapia tastes delicious enough to be served on its own or with a Mexican-themed side dish.  However, the crunchy tortilla, creamy hummus, and fresh veggies make it taste even better.  Don’t skimp on the tostada-ness of this dish.

Tilapia Tostadas 6I have taken seafood to a whole new level.  A spicy, colorful, healthy, and flavorful level.  And now that I have only ever eaten tilapia in taco and tostada form, I imagine that I will always associate it with Mexican food.  There is no shame in that!
Tilapia Tostadas 2These babies are proof that it pays off to experiment in the kitchen.  Now go challenge yourself and cook something that intimidates you!  Oh, and make these tostadas while you’re at it.  There is no need to be intimidated with this one!

What meals have you prepared after finding inspiration at a restaurant?  How did they turn out?
What food or recipe intimidates you?  
I say give it a try!

Pin these fishy tostadas and share them on Facebook and Twitter using the share buttons below!

Share Good Eats
{ 45 comments… add one }
  • Susie @ SuzLyfe February 17, 2015, 6:06 am
    YES yes yes thrice yes. I make my own spice blends, and this is very similar to one that I often use for fish tacos. Mmmmmm reminds me of summer! Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted...Yoga Clinic: Sun Salutation B SequenceMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 7:21 am
      Isn't it delicious? Apparently I love "spicy" fish! I'll have to use this in tacos next!
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine February 17, 2015, 6:40 am
    Well look at that! It's perfect for mu homemade hummus!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 7:22 am
      Ahh, so perfect!! Next time I need to break out my food processor and make my own for these... if I'm not feeling super lazy like last time ;)
  • Heather @Fit n Cookies February 17, 2015, 6:46 am
    Mmm. I actually like Tilapia- it's the only fish I like. These look really good. I mean, combing Mexican with anything is genius! Heather @Fit n Cookies recently posted...Combine It WorkoutMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 7:23 am
      Mexican makes everything taste good, right? ;) You should definitely give these a try if you are a tilapia lover!
  • Joanna @Makingmine February 17, 2015, 7:03 am
    These are so PRETTY! I love that you're posting fish options - I NEED to prepare more fish for our family, and I know once I get more familiar with it, it will become easier. Tilapia seems like a good "starter fish" (is that a thing?) Joanna @Makingmine recently posted...the 2nd trimester: baby 1 vs baby 2My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 7:24 am
      Yes! Tilapia is super duper easy to make. And no cutting off the skin, which is a plus!! :)
  • jess meddows February 17, 2015, 7:25 am
    That spice rub looks fantastic, Hannah. Every time I try something like this for my husband with his fish, it inevitably flakes off. I want to try this for him when we move apartments this weekend. It's been 4 months since we looked at the place, and I think it has an oven in it, keep your fingers crossed for us! It's hard to get an oven in Chiang Mai! jess meddows recently posted...The Stranger Side of TravelMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 12:21 pm
      Wow, I would be lost without my oven! I hope you luck out!
  • Julie February 17, 2015, 7:47 am
    Thanks! I am Catholic, so I'm always looking for fish recipes this time of year!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 12:38 pm
      It is about that time of year, isn't it? These would be perfect!
  • Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie February 17, 2015, 7:49 am
    Mmm! What is it about fish and Mexican style recipes that goes so well? Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie recently posted...A Wicked Valentine’s WeekendMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 12:49 pm
      I have no clue, but I have been LOVING it lately!! :)
  • Trisha February 17, 2015, 8:07 am
    Great recipe! Just pinned it! Trisha recently posted...How to get on Instagram’s Suggested User ListMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 12:55 pm
      Thanks so much, Trisha! :)
  • Emilie February 17, 2015, 8:37 am
    Looks amazing. I'm saving this for later! Emilie recently posted...10 Things I Wish Bloggers Didn't DoMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 12:57 pm
      Thanks, Emilie! I hope you give them a try and that you love them as much as I do :)
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul February 17, 2015, 8:47 am
    Girl you make me want to eat tilapia! haha
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 1:02 pm
      You should most definitely do it! It's just as easy (if not easier) to cook as salmon!
  • Farrah February 17, 2015, 9:14 am
    This looks delicious! I'm so, so hungry right now but out of tilapia and also snowed in! Nooooo! :'( Will pin for later! Farrah recently posted...Write A ManifestoMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 1:02 pm
      That darn snow!! Always getting in the way of good food. BOO! :(
  • Emily @ Sweet Summer Smiles February 17, 2015, 9:22 am
    That looks so good! I like making homemade guac! So easy and tasteful!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 1:05 pm
      Homemade guac would be amazing on these! Good idea :)
  • Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks February 17, 2015, 11:54 am
    I was wondering what the sauce was at the bottom...HUMMUS! What a smart idea!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 1:43 pm
      Hummus is one of the BEST cheese replacers when it comes to Mexican food. You definitely need to give it a try!
  • lindsay February 17, 2015, 12:42 pm
    i love seeing more fish recipes from you! and these are on my list! YUM
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 1:44 pm
      Me too!! It's still weird to be posting them, but my stomach is sure happy getting to eat them ;)
  • Dana | fresh simple five February 17, 2015, 2:43 pm
    I love tostadas!! They are a great way to switch things up from tacos... even though I'd probably never get sick of either of them. The seasoning for the tilapia sounds delicious! Dana | fresh simple five recently posted...What 2,000 Calories Looks LikeMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 3:32 pm
      Tacos and tostadas are definitely one of those foods that I never get tired of. Enchiladas, too! I guess just Mexican food in general ;)
  • A Taste Of Madness February 17, 2015, 5:48 pm
    This looks SO good!! I would love to try this right now! A Taste Of Madness recently posted...Biscoff Oatmeal CookiesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 5:49 pm
      Thank you! I hope you take the time to make them and try 'em out for yourself! :)
  • AJ @ NutriFitMama February 17, 2015, 6:58 pm
    These look good. I actually really like tilapia. It's been forever since I've had it. I got some alaskan cod at trader joe's the other day, which my husband is actually cooking now- and for some reason it reminded me of one of your recent seafood/fish posts- and now I see this! Ha! Guess I'm really craving some fish or something! AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted...Snowed In and Fried Tofu for Meat LoversMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 17, 2015, 9:12 pm
      Crazy how that works, huh? How was the cod? I've never tried it, so I'm curious to hear more!
      • AJ @ NutriFitMama February 17, 2015, 9:34 pm
        It was good! Fried in coconut oil. So many different ways to make it though- I think it would be good in tacos actually! AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted...Snowed In and Fried Tofu for Meat LoversMy Profile
        • ClnEatingVegGrl February 18, 2015, 9:45 am
          Thanks for the heads up! Maybe that will be the new fish that I'll have to try next!
  • Jamie | Jamie's Recipes February 17, 2015, 9:34 pm
    I need to make more fish. Fish tostadas would be a guaranteed way my family would gobble up the fish. Jamie | Jamie's Recipes recently posted...Lemon Ricotta PancakesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 18, 2015, 9:46 am
      I honestly think that any time you put the Mexican spin on fish, it turns out good. I hope you give these a try. The tilapia would also be awesome in tacos!
  • Ariana February 17, 2015, 10:52 pm
    This looks soooo good! I used to eat tilapia quite a bit but I was really lazy with it and just seasoned it with lemon and pepper. That got old really fast! You've inspired me to try it again :D Ariana recently posted...Time to Get Re-Connected With Your Goals!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 18, 2015, 9:47 am
      I definitely hope you give this a try Ariana! The spice rub is so easy to throw together in about 2 minutes flat. I try to keep my fish recipes pretty simple since I am still so new to cooking with fish. If I can do it, anybody can :)
  • Mollie @Sprinkles of Life February 19, 2015, 9:08 am
    These look so good! Love the idea!! I make fish usually once maybe twice per week. Gonna try these again soon when I stock up on seafood. Gotta love Lent for all the fish and seafood sales! Mollie @Sprinkles of Life recently posted...Sending my Love....{Happy Valentine's Day!}My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl February 19, 2015, 12:53 pm
      I know, right?? I am so excited to finally find some cheaper seafood. My credit card will be very happy about it :)
Cancel reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge