Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent season. As Catholics we observe Cuaresma (Lent) the 40 day (not including Sundays) penitential season that ends on Easter Sunday. In this time we take time to reflect on our lives, treasure our blessings and dedicate more time to helping others in need. On Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent families abstain from consuming meat.
Growing up us kids would get very nervous around this time of year. The thought of no burgers, pizza or even chorizo with our eggs was pretty overwhelming. We were pretty oblivious to the reason for the season. Lucky for us our mom was there to set us straight. As an adult I often feel bad that we worried so much over one day of no meat. I mean come on we had our mom, la reina de la cocina serving up plate after plate of wonderful meals.
After spending more time in the kitchen myself I find meatless is really, really easy. I honestly could live off arroz y frijoles forever, but I have a husband. My kiddos follow mommy’s love for frijoles. My youngest request a bean taco every morning for breakfast (smart kid), but hubby need substance. This recipe is one of my go to favorites. Easily doubled, easily customized.
I featured tilapia, but any fish can be used. I have tried this on salmon, flounder and even shrimp with great results. With citrus season in full swing feel free to change out lemon for lime or substitute grapefruit or even orange. Adjust to your taste.
Pepitas ~ pumpkin seeds, roasted are a typical snack in Mexico. Can be found unsalted or salted and are generally used to make mole sauce Pipian. I love to use them in granola, over oatmeal or to add crunch.
- 2 tilapia fillets
- olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp butter
- handful of pepitas
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Add olive oil to a nonstick pan over medium high heat.
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Pan sear the tilapia, about 4 minutes each side.
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Add lemon juice and butter. Serve alongside a easy black bean salad.
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Drizzle with lemon sauce and sprinkle with pepitas.
More Lenten meal ideas
Corn flake crusted fish fillets
Pepita Crusted Tilapia with Tomatillo Cream Sauce
Why not follow my Pinterest board Lenten Meals for recipe ideas.
That is one great colourful dish…
This looks like a really fabulous way to amp up tilapia. I’m wondering if you’ve tried it with any other white fish, if there’s a particular one that works best, or that we should stay away from?
Tilapia is my absolute favorite! And it’s the only kind of fish my kiddies will eat. 😛 What’s in your black bean salad? It looks so bright and festive! 🙂
Beautiful photos and what an easy and delicious sounding dish! Thanks for this idea.
How easy and delicious is this!? Love the crunchiness of the pepitas with the texture of the fish.
We are a tilapia family. I mean, we love eating tilapia. I must make this delicious recipe soon!
Such a lovely dish for anytime! That sauce is killer 🙂
I love tilapia! Such a lovely, simple, and healthy meal. YUM!
Absolutely divine and so moreish!!
Cheers,
Lia
A very lovely fish dish. makes a healthy meal. Love it. I think I will join your husband’s club…..haha. I don’t think I can survive long without meat. I do need substance otherwise I just feel hungry all the time.
I love Tilapia, one of the few fish that take on flavors so well. This looks like an easy and flavorful dish!!!
wow!! esto suena delicioso y fácil!! qué tal con salmón? wow! pero está carísimo, la tilapia me encanta su sabor!
Saludos
This looks lovely and simple.
I know I live in S. Texas and should know this but…what are pepitas?
Although I have never eaten tilapia before it looks very delicious. Orthodox fasting period starts as of Monday until 15th April as our Easter is one week late this year. During this period we only eat fish on two Sundays but nevertheless fasting is good because it detoxs the body.
This sounds delicious! Tilapia is such a delicate yet meaty tasting fish.
Fresh fish with fresh lemon is always a hit. I get what you by now being OK with no meat!
Love how simple and healthy this recipe is!
Simple and delicious! Lemon is such a great addition to any seafood
What a delicious, yet simple sauce to serve with fish this (or any) season. I’m not catholic, so I don’t observe lent…but any reason to add more fish to my diet is a good one. Sounds fabulous (and so pretty).
The pepita lemon sauce sounds just lovely over tilapia!
Delicious! That is a fish I love.
Cheers,
Rosa