Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Look no further than this delicious crispy breaded tilapia fish fillet recipe! Let’s dive into this seafood adventure that’s sure to make a splash at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prep the breading station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Season the fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Bread the fillets: Dip each fillet in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Chill: Place the breaded fillets on a plate and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry to perfection: Carefully place the breaded fillets in the hot oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. You might hear a satisfying sizzle – that’s the sound of culinary magic happening!
- Drain: Remove the fillets and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with lemon wedges.
Pro Tips for Crispy Success
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It really does make a difference in helping the breading adhere.
- For extra crunch, try crushing some cornflakes into your breadcrumb mixture.
- If you’re watching your oil intake, you can bake these in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your crispy tilapia with a zesty coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a light, refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside some crispy oven-roasted potatoes or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
Remember, the key to a great meal is not just in the cooking, but in the sharing. So gather your loved ones, pour some chilled white wine (or sparkling water with a twist of lemon), and enjoy this crispy, flavorful seafood feast together. Bon appétit!
