I love the vibrant flavors in this dish! The combination of ingredients creates a zesty and aromatic base for the sauce, while the addition of Mexican beer adds depth and a bit of orange juice lends a hint of sweetness and balances out the heat. And when the pan-seared tilapia filets absorb all these delicious flavors, each bite becomes a burst of Mexican-inspired goodness.

Serves 4

4 fresh tilapia filets (substitute any hearty white fish)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon sea salt1 tablespoon olive oil

1⁄2  cup cherry or grape tomatoes

1⁄2  red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 cup Mexican beer (substitute vegetable broth)

1 jalapeño pepper, minced

1⁄4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

Sea salt, to taste

Ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and sea salt. Generously coat tilapia filets with this seasoning blend.

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add fish filets. Cook 2-3 minutes and then carefully turn using a flat spatula. Cook 2-3 more minutes until the fish is white and flaky. Remove and set aside.

Add tomatoes to the same skillet and sauté until blistered. Add onion and garlic and sauté until onions soften.

De-glaze the skillet by adding beer (or broth) to it, still over mediumhigh heat and bring to a boil. Let simmer until liquid is reduced by half, approximately 5 minutes.

Finish the sauce by adding jalapeño, citrus juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer over low-medium heat for 5 minutes.

Add the fish back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the fish and garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon or lime wedges.

Joe Lasher is co-owner of M7 Event Solutions & Catering, operating The Crest Center and Pavilion in Asheville, Claxton Farm in Weaverville, and the new “Twin Willows” Estate in Mars Hill, featuring vacation rentals, event spaces, and more. To try Joe’s cooking, visit Twin Willows and look for the Smokin’ Joe Lasher mobile kitchen. Find out more on social media @smokinjoelasher or at SmokinJoeLasher.com.