It can feel great to serve an out-of-town guest a dish that celebrates your hometown and showcases your regional pride. From coast to coast, the U.S. has such a dramatic change in climate, geography and culture, and this variance is clearly reflected in regional foods. To celebrate all that is edible in the U.S., we’ve compiled a list of our favorite American-made dishes that make use of the country’s best seafood catches.
Fish Tacos: Los Angeles
Any day spent catching waves should end with a delicious fish taco. L.A. is home to many variations of fish tacos: some fried, some grilled, some topped with salsa, avocado or chipotle mayo. One thing unites all fish tacos though: they are as tasty as they are easy to make—no matter what coast you’re from. These particular tacos incorporate crispy Tilapia fillets and a creamy cabbage mix that will have you dreaming about being seaside.
Try the recipe: California Style Fish Tacos from Woman’s Day.
Fish Chowder: New England
New England is know for classic chowders, as it’s the perfect dish to complement blustery winters. This iconic dish is most often made with clams in a creamy broth, punctuated by dill and potatoes, though the variations are near endless, with different styles found all over the region. This particular recipe is a rich and hearty version, featuring protein-rich Tilapia fillets. It yields 6 servings, meaning leftovers can become the ultimate work lunch.
Try the recipe: Tilapia Chowder from Eating Well.
Po’ Boy: New Orleans
New Orleans—a foodie destination worth traveling for—has no shortage of delicious food options, and their wonderful Creole cuisine is a particular delight. Unsurprising given its location, New Orleans has a long tradition of eating seafood prepared many ways. The Po’ Boy is a regional sandwich that combines crispy seafood on a soft and chewy French baguette with mayo and any other piquant condiments. Serve this variation with Tilapia, Louisiana hot sauce and Zapps potato chips (if you can get your hands on them) for a hearty and authentic experience.
Try the recipe: Tilapia Po’ Boy from Real Simple.
Crab Cakes: Atlantic City
Atlantic City = Atlantic Crab cakes, right?! The best part about a seafood cake is that nearly any combination of fresh fish will taste out of this world. Although a classic part of Atlantic-coast living, crab meat can be pricey, so substituting in a mild white fish like Tilapia is a fantastic way to enjoy an authentic treat that is as tasty as it is budget-friendly. These crab-Tilapia cakes contain good fats, bursts of fresh crab and delicious lemon and herb flavors. They’re wrapped in a crust of seasoned bread crumbs and topped with tangy roasted red pepper aioli.
Try the recipe: Tilapia-Crab Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli from Betty Crocker.
These four flavorful recipes can transport you from coast to coast right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Plan a week-long “vacation” to taste the many reasons why the U.S. is known for unique, diverse food experiences, just by putting on some regional tunes and pulling out some fresh fillets.
If you’re already a big fan of chowder, be sure to check out these other five Tilapia seafood chowder recipes too.
Photo Credits: Teri Virbickis / Shutterstock Inc., AnastasiaKopa / Shutterstock Inc., Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock Inc.