Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

This is one amazing meal, full of flavor, color and it's healthy and quick! What could be better? I made this for just 2 of us, but it's easy to make as much as you need. It's a fast weeknight meal, but it's special enough for company too. I did the fish in a cast iron skillet, but it can also be done on the grill with some veggies. The Tilapia is somewhat spicy, but the Pineapple Salsa really enhances the fish and adds such a freshness to the meal that leaves you wanting more! This recipe is slightly adapted from one I found at Cooking Light. Here's what you need;

Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa

For the salsa you need;

1 1/2-2 cups diced, fresh pineapple ( you may buy the fresh chunks, if desired)

1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced

1/3-1/2 cup diced Roma tomato

1/2 cup diced red onion

1-2 Tbs. chopped cilantro

2 Tbs. Rice Vinegar

Mix all ingredients, cover and refrigerate till ready to use

For the Tilapia, you need

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp. dried Thyme

1/4 tsp.celery seed

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. cayenne

Or, you can use some Creole seasoning, INSTEAD of the above seasonings, but I didn't have any, so I had to improvise. But the flavor of the fish was perfect for us. If you are going to serve rice, as I did, start it first. Heat your skillet to medium heat, with 1-2 tbs. of canola oil. Season both sides of the tilapia with the spice mix. When skillet is ready, lay the fish in the pan and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily when pierced with a fork. It cooks quickly, so don't leave it to do something else! When done, remove tilapia to a platter. Ahhh, it smells so good, and tastes so good! Serve with the yummy Pineapple Salsa. Here's how I served it;

I spooned some cooked brown rice on the plates and made a bed for the tilapia. Lay the fish on the rice and top with this wonderful salsa. I served it with my Oven Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar, a salad and some good bread. This was a great meal, that I'll make again, many times!

I used to be rather intimidated by cooking fish, but with easy dishes like this, I think I'm getting over it! What's your favorite fish?