Pine Nut-Crusted Tilapia is a light, flavorful dish that features tender tilapia fillets coated in a crunchy, golden-brown pine nut crust. The pine nuts add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the delicate fish. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Pine Nut Crust:
- In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped pine nuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Season and Coat the Tilapia:
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press each fillet into the pine nut mixture, coating both sides evenly and pressing the crust onto the fish.
- Cook the Tilapia:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tilapia fillets to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown. Be careful when flipping the fillets to avoid breaking the crust.
- Bake the Tilapia:
- Transfer the seared tilapia fillets to the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Serve the pine nut-crusted tilapia hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Enjoy this delicious Pine Nut-Crusted Tilapia as a simple, elegant, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
