Description
Mexican crispy fish brings coastal flavors to your dinner table with golden-brown, crunchy fillets. Zesty lime sauce and fresh garnishes complete this simple yet delicious seafood dish that you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds tilapia fillets (or cod/haddock)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 lemon
Seasoning and Spices:
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- Olive oil for frying
- 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise (like Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Slice tilapia fillets into elongated finger-sized portions, cutting diagonally for thinner, more uniform pieces.
- Create a three-stage breading setup using separate shallow containers: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully dredge each fish piece through flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Generously season breaded fish with salt and pepper, arranging pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to help coating adhere.
- Warm olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Gently place breaded fish pieces into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Transfer cooked fish to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Prepare zesty dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise with finely minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
- Serve immediately with prepared dipping sauce on the side for maximum crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Perfectly portion fish by slicing tilapia into uniform finger-sized pieces for even cooking and crispy texture.
- Chill breaded fish before cooking to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs to ensure smooth coating and better breading adhesion.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives by substituting regular flour with almond flour or cornstarch and using gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg