Crispy Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Mediterranean Flair
Elevate your dinner experience with this Crispy Herb-Crusted Tilapia, a dish that perfectly combines juicy tilapia fillets with a crunchy, flavorful herb crust. This recipe utilizes simple pantry ingredients, transforming everyday tilapia into a gourmet meal. The Ritz cracker crust, enhanced with fresh parsley and Greek seasoning, provides a delightful texture and taste that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the fish. Whether you serve it with a fresh salad or alongside roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's quick and easy while packing a flavor punch.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillets
4 (fresh)
Ritz crackers
24 (crushed)
parsley
1 (tablespoon, chopped)
all-purpose Greek seasoning
1 (tablespoon)
extra virgin olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
egg
1 (beaten)
skim milk
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil, allowing it to heat while you prepare the fish.
2
Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor until fine crumbs are formed.
3
In a bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, chopped parsley, Greek seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and skim milk until fully combined.
5
Take each tilapia fillet and dip it first into the egg wash, ensuring it's well coated, then into the herb cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust to the fish.
6
Carefully place the coated tilapia fillets in the preheated skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7
Once cooked, remove the tilapia from the skillet and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is fresh tilapia fillets.
How many servings does this tilapia recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of crackers are used for the crust?
The crust is made using 24 crushed Ritz crackers.
How should I prepare the Ritz crackers for the breading?
You can crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or use a food processor until they form fine crumbs.
What specific seasoning provides the Mediterranean flair?
The Mediterranean flair comes from the use of all-purpose Greek seasoning, fresh parsley, and extra virgin olive oil.
What is the purpose of the egg and skim milk mixture?
The whisked egg and skim milk serve as an egg wash to help the herb-cracker mixture adhere to the tilapia fillets.
How long do I need to cook the tilapia in the skillet?
Cook the tilapia for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
The skillet should be preheated and maintained at medium-high heat.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The fish is done when the crust is golden brown and the meat flakes easily with a fork.
What type of oil is recommended for frying the fish?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh chopped parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may be less vibrant.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh salad or alongside roasted vegetables.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this dish.
Is it necessary to press the crumbs into the fish?
Yes, you should press gently after dipping the fish in the cracker mixture to ensure the crust adheres properly.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy dinner, making it perfect for weeknights.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
Yes, any milk will work for the egg wash, though the recipe specifically mentions skim milk.
What texture can I expect from the finished dish?
You can expect a delightful crunchy exterior from the crackers and a juicy, tender interior from the tilapia.
Should the tilapia be fresh or frozen?
The recipe lists the tilapia fillets as fresh for the best results.
Is the Greek seasoning mixed with the crackers or the fish?
The Greek seasoning is mixed into the bowl with the crushed crackers, parsley, salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged under 'healthy cooking' as it utilizes fish and olive oil.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, the description notes that it transforms everyday tilapia into a gourmet meal suitable for special occasions.
Do I need to add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to the cracker mixture to taste.
How should the fish be served?
The tilapia should be served immediately after cooking, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Can I bake the fish instead of frying it?
While the instructions describe skillet-frying, the tags include 'baked fish,' suggesting baking is a viable alternative.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Tilapia'.
Is there any preparation needed for the tilapia before dipping?
The recipe does not specify extra prep other than ensuring the fillets are fresh and ready for the egg wash.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it focuses on herb and savory flavors rather than heat.
Can I use a different fish besides tilapia?
While the recipe is designed for tilapia, most mild white fish fillets would likely work with this crust.
What is the recommended amount of Greek seasoning?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of all-purpose Greek seasoning.