This Cumin-Spiced Tilapia with Roasted Corn offers a delicious and effortless way to get dinner on the table. It’s a perfect sheet pan dinner recipe, combining tender fish and sweet corn with aromatic spices, all cooked on one pan for easy cleanup. You’ll love this flavorful and healthy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tilapia fillets: Use cod, salmon, or even chicken breast (adjust cooking time).
- Corn: Fresh or frozen corn kernels work best.
- Cumin: Ground coriander or chili powder can offer a different but delicious flavor.
- Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil like avocado or vegetable oil is fine.
Ingredients
For the Tilapia and Corn:
- 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350
- Tools needed: Large sheet pan, mixing bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Sheet Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is crucial for any great sheet pan dinner recipe.
2. Combine Vegetables and Spices
In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, sliced red bell pepper, and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with half of the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
3. Season the Tilapia
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them cook more evenly and develop a nice crust. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish and season generously with the remaining cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
4. Arrange on the Sheet Pan
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on one half of the prepared sheet pan. Place the seasoned tilapia fillets on the other half of the sheet pan, making sure they are not overlapping. This ensures everything cooks evenly.
5. Roast Until Cooked
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is flaky and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fish. This is the beauty of sheet pan dinner recipes—everything cooks together.
6. Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!
Variation Ideas
- Add diced sweet potato to the vegetables for extra heartiness.
- Try a different spice blend like chili lime or Cajun seasoning.
- Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after cooking.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spices.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Cumin-Spiced Tilapia with Roasted Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the fish when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have a red bell pepper?
You can substitute with any color bell pepper you have on hand, or even add zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can chop the vegetables and mix the spices ahead of time. Keep them separate until just before cooking for the best results.
How do I know if the tilapia is cooked?
The tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the recipe is not spicy as written. Cumin and paprika provide flavor, not heat. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a little spice.
Can I make this with chicken instead of fish?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs would work well. You will need to increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.