Coconut Tilapia

jpatel02004's Note:

I created this recipe in an attempt to add some flavor to Tilapia. I enjoy eating Tilapia, but other ingredients are usually needed to make it worth eating. This recipe is fairly quick and painless. I change some of the ingredient amounts depending on my particular cravings for that specific day.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 1-2

Yield: 2.0 fillets

• 2 tilapia fillets

Dipping Mixture

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup cornstarch

Coconut Coating

• 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Peanut Sauce

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons curry sauce (can be bought in stores or can be made by combining coconut milk and green curry powder)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 pinch ginger
• 1 pinch sage
• 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. In a wide bowl/container, mix coconut flakes, curry powder, garlic powder, paprika (set aside).
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 egg, 1/4 cup water and 1/3 cup of corn starch.
3. Dip the Tilapia fillets in the egg mixture. Use a plastic bag to cover your hands when handling fillets, if preferred. Coat the fillets thoroughly with the coconut flake mixture, especially along the top, as this dramatically improves the appearance of the dish while baking.
4. Bake the Tilapia fillets at 350 degrees for about 12-14 minutes (or however long until the fish is fully white). Use cooking spray or butter the pan so the fish does not stick.
5. While the Tilapia is baking, make the peanut sauce. Mix all of the ingredients listed above. Vary ingredient amounts to your liking. Cool or set aside until the Tilapia is ready.
6. Broil the fillets for a few minutes until golden.
7. Serve the fillets on a plate and scoop the peanut sauce on the side.

Reviews

[Susie D]

Delicious and I loved that it is baked rather than fried! I did not make the sauce so can only comment on the tilapia. The breading bakes up light, crispy, crunchy, and nicely flavored. The coconut flavor shines, but the curry notes add a nice touch. That said, the ingredient amounts are excessive as posted. I breaded six -4 oz filets and still had lots to pile on top of the fish. Next time (and there will be a next time) I will also line the pan with foil to make clean up easier. Thank you for sharing the recipe!

[AZPARZYCH]

Great tilapia!! I made the fish as written and didn't make the sauce. It was light and fresh tasting and the coconut crust made it taste like something you would get at a restaurant. Made for Best of 2011 Cookbook Tag.

[Mikekey]

Excellent way to prepare tilapia. I will cut the amount of topping mixture down next time though, as it was too much for 2 filets the size that I used. The sauce really set this off perfectly. I also like that it is baked, not fried.