Coconut-Crusted Tilapia with Vibrant Mango Salsa
Experience the tropical flavors of this Coconut-Crusted Tilapia with Mango Salsa, where crispy, golden-brown tilapia meets a fresh, zesty salsa. The combination of sweet coconut and tangy mango creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick yet impressive dinner, this dish brings a burst of island-inspired flavors to your table. The mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, crunchy fish. It’s an easy and delicious way to elevate your seafood game.
Ingredients:
For the Coconut-Crusted Tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened)
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil, for frying
For the Mango Salsa:
– 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Mango Salsa:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro.
2. Season: Add the lime juice and season with salt to taste. Stir well, then set aside to let the flavors develop.
Prepare the Coconut-Crusted Tilapia:
1. Set Up the Breading Station: Use three shallow bowls:
– Bowl 1: Fill with flour.
– Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
– Bowl 3: Mix the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Tilapia:
– Coat each tilapia fillet in flour, shaking off any excess.
– Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
– Press the fillet into the coconut mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Cook the Tilapia:
– Heat the vegetable or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Fry the tilapia fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
– Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
1. Present the Dish: Place the crispy coconut-crusted tilapia fillets on a plate and generously spoon the mango salsa over the top.
2. Garnish (Optional): Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
– Coconut Choice: Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut for a savory crust, or go for sweetened if you like a touch of sweetness.
– Oil Options: Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor, but vegetable oil is also a good choice for frying.
– Preparation Tip: Pat the tilapia fillets dry before breading to ensure the coating adheres well.
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
CoconutCrustedTilapia, MangoSalsa, TropicalRecipe, CrispyFish, SeafoodDelight
