Panko Tilapia

By Leslie

I recently started replacing breadcrumbs with panko crumbs.  So far, I like the change.  Do you use panko crumbs?  If so, please share.  

If you're unfamiliar with panko, it is a Japanese-style bread crumb.  The texture is much crisper than regular bread crumbs.  I like to use it on chicken and seafood, but I've read that you can use it as a crust for almost anything.  

Here's a really easy dinner idea using panko and tilapia fillets. Tilapia is another favorite for overall versatility and affordability.  

There are approximately twelve billion recipes for panko tilapia out there, so you can definitely find one to suit your taste.  This is just my go to.  

Tilapia fillets are coated in egg, then crispy panko mixed with Old Bay seasoning and cayenne pepper.

Everything is done in under a half hour.  (Please ignore my pan.  If anyone has suggestions on how to clean this, I'm all ears.)      

 

This fish is pretty mild and goes with everything.  I made Ariel's parmesan potatoes and steamed brussels sprouts.

Panko Tilapia

4 tilapia fillets (thawed)
2 cups unseasoned panko crumbs
1 1/2 tablespons Old Bay seasoning* (Not really an exact measurement here.)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (I don't really measure this either. I just throw in a tiny bit.)
1 egg
Salt and pepper

*If you don't have Old Bay, don't worry.  It's a mixture of a bunch of spices like paprika, celery seed, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and ginger.  You could sub in a mixture of these, or some cajun seasoning.  I bet lemon pepper would be good too.  But get your hands on some Old Bay.

Directions

In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg.  Add salt and pepper.  In another shallow bowl, add the panko and seasonings.  Dredge the fillets, one at a time, in the egg then in the panko mixture.  Be sure to press the panko into the fillet.  Lay on a baking sheet coated in cooking spray. 

Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.  The fish should flake easily with a fork.  A few lemon slices would be really great to serve with this.  We used some horseradish dipping sauce that we had leftover and it was perfect.       

What are your favorite ways to use panko?

Comments

[Andrea]

I like to use them on chicken and make a chicken parmesan. Use pretty much the same procedure, just substitute italian seasoning in the crumbs

[Mary]

I would love to try this; we eat a lot of tilapia at our house.

And the pan? Don't worry about cleaning it, just get a Silpat or Exopat silicon pan liner.

[Leslie]

Andrea - I'm going to have to try that. I love chicken parmesan!
Mary - Thanks for the suggestion on the Silpat. I usually use foil or something but that would be much more eco-friendly.

[Jess]

Looks delicious! For cleaning use Barkeeper's Helper and a scrubby sponge. With some elbow grease it should shine up.