Tilapia is one of the most popular fish for the dinner table, and with good reason. It’s very affordable, abundant in population, tastes great, and is filled with healthy Omega-3 acids. Most grocery stores have a variety of organic, frozen, or fresh tilapia on hand, so anyone can make it for dinner easily. If you’ve been looking for a change of pace from your normal weekly meals, today I have a few great tilapia recipes that will help you shake things up a bit.
Baked Parmesan Tilapia
8 tilapia fillets
¼ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried parsley
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup dry bread crumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup ranch dressing
½ cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a 11×17 cooking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix milk and ranch dressing and set aside. Then, place the flour in its own bowl and set aside, as well.
3. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, and basil. Pour mixture into a freezer bag.
4. Gently coat tilapia fillets with flour and then dip in the ranch dressing/milk.
5. Place each coated fillet into the freezer bag and shake until thoroughly coated with crumbs.
6. Place fillets on the cooking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.
Fried Tilapia
Canola oil, for frying
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus ½ cup for dredging
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup buttermilk
4 tilapia fillets, cut in half lengthwise
1. In a large pot or fryer, heat canola oil to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine baking powder, cayenne, paprika, salt and pepper, and 2 cups of flour. Then, whisk in the buttermilk.
3. Dredge the tilapia in the remaining ½ cup flour, then dip into batter.
4. Carefully drop the fillets into the hot oil and fry in batches for 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with fries and a side of tartar sauce.
