Admit it–tilapia is kind of a boring fish, taste-wise. Maybe in reality, too–maybe it just swims around paging through USA Today and talking about the humidity. Nevertheless, I like tilapia. It’s affordable, it’s sustainable, it’s mild and easy to cook. It’s just that it needs jazzing up.
I have a great recipe for coating the dull little suckers in mayonnaise and cheese (which can make horrid food tolerable and good food delectable, in my book) but when you’re in the mood for something lighter, why not try pan-searing them and topping them with a fresh, delicious, bright orange-parsley salsa?
Pan-Fried Tilapia with Orange-Parsley Salsa
For Tilapia:
You will need one tilapia filet per person, unless you are my four-year-old, in which case you’ll need two per person. We usually buy the kind that are individually wrapped, which is convenient–albeit hell on the planet. Dry the fish filets with paper towels, then dredge them in flour that you’ve seasoned with salt, pepper, maybe a little garlic powder, maybe a smidgen of cayenne if you like that sort of thing. Pan-fry in a few tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil, until the fish is golden brown and flakes when you nudge it with a fork—just a few minutes per side.
For Salsa:
1 orange, supremed (ain’t we classy?)
1 very small red onion, chopped roughly
1 handful parsley, chopped roughly
1 tsp. Olive oil
generous salt and freshly-ground pepper
Mix! Yes, it’s that easy. Oh, and spoon over tilapia when it’s done.
I’m having a hard time keeping up-to-date (and remembering when shopping) which kinds of fish and seafoods are sustainable or not. I actually thought tilapia was on the naughty-list due to overexploitation. Any tips for reliable and updated and easy-to-grasp web resources that I can lean on? Websites that take an unbiased view on fish farming?
I go by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s list. They say that tilapia farmed in the US is good to go. And they have a pocket guide you can download. Hope that helps!
Damn, you’re a good cook. I love this blog.
Wow, that is high praise indeed, considering you haven’t even tasted my cooking. Or hollow praise, not sure which… but I will take the compliment!
I’m thinking this recipe might get me over my irrational hesitation of cooking fish/seafood dishes.
Oh this sounds delicious! I’ll have to make this soon!!!!!