Roasted Baja-Inspired Fish with Cilantro-Lime Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-17 · Updated 2026-05-17

Tender white fish fillets roasted with a zesty Baja-style spice rub, paired with fluffy cilantro and lime-infused rice for a fresh coastal meal. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets, 6 oz each white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest
• 2 sliced green onions

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brush 3 tbsp olive oil over 4 white fish fillets and rub the spice mix evenly onto both sides.
2. Step 2: Place the seasoned fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil, add the rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Step 4: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 sliced green onions for bright flavor.
5. Step 5: Serve the roasted fish fillets atop the cilantro-lime rice, garnishing with extra lime wedges if desired.