Crispy Spiced Potato-Crusted Tilapia
Experience the delight of Crispy Spiced Potato-Crusted Tilapia, an innovative take on a classic dish that combines the health benefits of tilapia with the crunch of potato crust. This recipe features tender tilapia fillets coated in a zesty blend of taco seasoning and fresh herbs, then encrusted with Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns for an irresistible crunch. Baked instead of fried, this flavorful dish is perfect for those looking to indulge without the guilt. Every bite is a burst of flavor, making it a standout option even for those who are typically hesitant to enjoy fish. Serve it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright finish that will tantalize your taste buds!
4
Servings
137
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
4 (about 13 oz.)
Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns
2 cups (thawed)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (ready to use)
Dried cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (or 1/2 tbsp fresh)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Egg whites
3 (whipped slightly)
Green onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (divided)
Lemon
1 medium (cut into wedges (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large plastic bag, combine the taco seasoning, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
3
Add the tilapia fillets to the bag and shake gently until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mix. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
4
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy.
5
In another dish, mix the Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns, green onions, and 1 teaspoon of salt thoroughly.
6
Dredge each marinated tilapia fillet through the egg whites, ensuring full coverage, then place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet that has been generously coated with cooking spray.
7
Top each fillet with the prepared hash brown mixture, pressing down gently to adhere the crust.
8
Lightly spray the tops of the fish with cooking spray to promote browning.
9
Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
10
After the initial baking time, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 4 minutes to achieve a crispy top.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and serve with lemon wedges for an added zesty kick if desired.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Spiced Potato-Crusted Tilapia?
It is an innovative fish dish featuring tender tilapia fillets coated in taco seasoning and encrusted with Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns for a crunchy, flavorful finish.
How many calories are in one serving of this tilapia?
There are approximately 137 calories per serving.
Is this recipe baked or fried?
This recipe is baked and then broiled to achieve a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
What kind of potatoes are used for the crust?
The recipe uses 2 cups of thawed Simply Potatoes® Shredded Hash Browns.
How long should the tilapia marinate?
The fillets should marinate in the seasoning mix for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 11.25g of protein.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The dish contains 3.75g of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What spices are used in the taco seasoning blend?
In addition to a standard taco seasoning package, the recipe adds dried cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried cilantro with 1/2 tablespoon of fresh cilantro.
What ingredient is used to help the hash browns stick to the fish?
Whisked egg whites are used as a dredge to ensure the potato crust adheres to the tilapia.
How long does the fish bake in the oven?
The tilapia bakes for 16 minutes at 400°F.
Is there a broiling step in this recipe?
Yes, after baking, you should broil the fish for an additional 4 minutes to achieve a crispy top.
How do I know when the tilapia is cooked through?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1g of fiber.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the seasoning mix and the potato crust.
Should the hash browns be frozen or thawed?
The hash browns should be thawed before being mixed with the green onions and salt.
What is the serving size for the tilapia fillets?
The recipe uses 4 fillets, totaling about 13 oz of fish.
Are there any recommended garnishes?
Serving with fresh lemon wedges is recommended for a bright, zesty finish.
What role do the green onions play?
Finely chopped green onions are mixed into the shredded hash brown crust for extra flavor.
Is this dish considered spicy?
It has a zesty kick due to the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, though the heat can be adjusted to taste.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
The cookie sheet should be generously coated with cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
Can I spray the top of the fish with oil?
Yes, the instructions suggest lightly spraying the tops of the fish with cooking spray to promote browning.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or more to taste.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
The recipe is very low in sugar, containing only 0.25g per serving.
Is this recipe good for people who don't usually like fish?
Yes, the flavorful taco seasoning and crunchy potato crust make it a standout option even for those hesitant about eating fish.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
How do you apply the seasoning to the tilapia?
Combine the spices in a large plastic bag, add the fillets, and shake gently until evenly coated.