Golden-Brown Baked Tilapia Strips with Zesty Tartar Sauce
These Golden-Brown Baked Tilapia Strips are a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a crunchy exterior while maintaining a tender and flaky interior. Baked to perfection, these strips are seasoned with a hint of lemon pepper and paired with a quick and zesty homemade tartar sauce that elevates the dish. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe showcases how easy and delicious healthy cooking can be. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or crispy veggies for a complete meal, and enjoy the burst of flavors with each bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
tilapia fillet
1 lb (cut into 1-inch strips)
salt
to taste
lemon pepper
to taste
mayonnaise
1/4 cup
lemons
2 (cut into wedges)
flour
2 tablespoons
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup
olive oil
2 tablespoons
capers
1 tablespoon (chopped)
sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon
minced onion
to taste
dill
to taste (dried or fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Prepare the tilapia strips by seasoning them lightly with salt and lemon pepper.
3
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and the juice of 2 lemon wedges (approximately 1 tablespoon). Set aside.
4
On three separate plates, place the flour, the mayonnaise mixture, and the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each tilapia strip first in the flour, making sure it's thoroughly coated.
5
Next, dip the floured strip in the mayonnaise mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6
Finally, coat the strip with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. Repeat with all strips.
7
Transfer the breaded tilapia strips to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the strips to promote crispiness during baking.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, or until the fish feels firm to the touch.
9
For extra crispiness, move the baking sheet to the top oven rack and broil for an additional 1 minute, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
10
Serve the tilapia strips hot alongside a homemade tartar sauce and lemon wedges.
11
To prepare the Tartar Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, juice of half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of chopped capers, and 1 tablespoon of sweet pickle relish. Mix in minced onion and season with dried or fresh dill, salt, and lemon pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Golden-Brown Baked Tilapia Strips with Zesty Tartar Sauce.
What type of fish is used for these strips?
Tilapia fillets are used for this recipe.
How should the tilapia be prepared before coating?
The tilapia fillets should be cut into 1-inch strips and seasoned with salt and lemon pepper.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
What are the ingredients for the zesty tartar sauce?
The sauce includes mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped capers, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, dill, salt, and lemon pepper.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the tartar sauce?
You will need 1 cup of mayonnaise for the tartar sauce.
What is the first step in the dredging process?
The first step is to dredge each tilapia strip in flour until it is thoroughly coated.
What is the second coating used for the fish?
The second coating is a mixture of mayonnaise and the juice of 2 lemon wedges.
What provides the crunchy exterior for the tilapia?
Panko breadcrumbs provide the crunchy exterior.
How long should the tilapia strips bake?
The strips should bake for 7-8 minutes.
How do you know when the baked tilapia is done?
The fish is done when it feels firm to the touch.
What is the secret to extra crispiness in this recipe?
Moving the baking sheet to the top rack and broiling for an additional 1 minute makes them extra crispy.
Why is olive oil drizzled over the strips before baking?
Olive oil is drizzled over the strips to promote crispiness during the baking process.
What should the baking sheet be lined with?
The baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper.
How much tilapia is required for this recipe?
One pound of tilapia fillet is required.
What kind of relish is used in the tartar sauce?
Sweet pickle relish is used in the tartar sauce.
How much lemon juice goes into the dredging mixture?
Approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (from 2 lemon wedges) is mixed with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
What herbs are suggested for the tartar sauce?
Dried or fresh dill is recommended.
How many capers are used in the sauce?
One tablespoon of chopped capers is used.
Can I use fresh lemon wedges for serving?
Yes, serving the strips hot with lemon wedges is highly recommended.
What should I do halfway through the broiling step?
You should rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
What is the texture of these tilapia strips?
They have a crunchy exterior and a tender, flaky interior.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
A fresh salad or crispy vegetables are great side dishes for these strips.
How much flour is needed for the dredging station?
Two tablespoons of flour are needed.
How many panko breadcrumbs are used?
One cup of panko breadcrumbs is used.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Yes, these strips make a great crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include seafood recipe, healthy cooking, easy recipe, and 30 minutes.
Is there any onion in the recipe?
Yes, minced onion is added to the tartar sauce to taste.
How much olive oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used.
Does this recipe take a long time to cook?
No, it is a quick recipe that takes approximately 30 minutes in total.