Jerk-Crusted Tilapia with Banana Salsa

Ingredients

4 Servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

1/3 cup prepared jerk seasonings I used Tone's Jerk Seasoning
4 4-ounce tilapia fillets
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons molasses
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 medium bananas NOT too ripe, peeled and minced
1/2 Serrano chile, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
optional garnish: cilantro sprigs


Directions
Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

Pour jerk seasoning onto plate. Dredge one side of tilapia into seasoning.

Heat oil in a 10" oven-proof skillet to medium-high heat. Sear tilapia with the spice side down. Turn fish spice side up and bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes with fork test.

Combine the rum, sugar, molasses, vinegar and salt in a 1 Qt saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook this mixture until it is reduced into a syrup-like glaze stir frequently.

In a bowl, add the peeled and diced bananas, minced chile, chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt mix well.

To serve, pour some of the molasses glaze into center of individual serving plate. Place a tilapia on top of glaze and top with banana salsa. Garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro if desired.