Pan Fried Tilapia

My Dad has been asking for a few fish dishes.  It is not that I don’t like cooking fish, it is just that closest fish monger that is any good is 25 minutes away.  So this week, I took a trip to the market and decided to do a quick and easy fish dish.  A lot of people that I talk to hear the word fish and run.  They think that it is impossible to cook.  I have to say  that cooking fish is one of the easiest things around.  It cooks quick and is naturally tasty. Therefore it doesn’t require a ton of seasoning.  Plus, Tilapia is a light tasting fish that is low in mercury.  Therefore it does not have a fishy taste.  While not exactly a whitefish (it is from the family Cichlidae), tilapia fillets are white and cook up to a nice flaky white fillet. Quick trivia note, tilapia are in the top three of most consumed fish in the world.  So needless to say, they are rather inexpensive.  Quick, tasty and cheap.  This is going to be a great meal.

Pan Fried Tilapia – (Adapted from eHow)

In a pie plate or large bowl combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt and pepper.

Preheat the skillet over medium/high heat.  Add the oil and the butter.  At the same time turn on the broiler to low and set the rack about 6-8 inches from the heat.  If your broiler only has one temperature, then you will need to cook the fish for a little less time below.  I will note the difference.

Dredge the fish into the breadcrumb mixture.  Coat both sides.  Remember that not too much of the breading with stick to the fish.  This will be lightly coated.  Just to add a little texture without weighing down the fish.

Once the butter and oil are hot, place the fish into the preheated pan.  Sear on one side for 2-3 minutes, or until the breading starts to brown.

Flip the fish using a spatula and then place the pan under the broiler.

Cook the fish under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or until the breading browns nicely.  If your broiler only has one temperature, check the fish after 2 minutes to see if it is brown.  Keep your eye on the fish and once it is brown remove it from the oven.

Using the spatula remove the fish from the pan and plate.  Serve with your favorite sides.

This is and extremely quick and tasty way to cook fish.  Since the breading is so light, you don’t feel weighted down after eating it like you would after eating deep fried fish.  Plus, from start to finish it took only 10 minutes.  You can not beat that for a quick evening meal.