As many of you know from my past posts, I love fish and many weeks I do Fish Friday. A technique I frequently use when preparing the meal is to encrust the fish.
Encrusting is basically a fancy way to say breading. It keeps the fish moist and is an easy to way to switch up the flavors of the meal. Here are a few of my favorite fish recipes from Just A Pinch.
Debbie Rohan (Boerne, TX) takes flavors from Ireland for her Dubliner Irish Cheese Crusted Fish. “Everyone who has ever tried this dish just loves it, even the non-fish eaters,” says Debbie. “I love it and I don’t like fish.”
A combination of Irish mustard and butter, Panko bread crumbs and Dubliner cheese are patted onto the fish to form the crust. Dubliner cheese has a very sharp flavor and is similar to cheddar cheese. It definitely adds flavor to the breading. Then, when baked it melts and combines with cream to make an amazing sauce.
Don’t just take my word. Katrina Fontes (North Attleboro, MA) has made this recipe twice and says, “It’s the most delicious recipe.” I second that.
“I came across lemon pepper Panko crumbs in the store thinking what can I do with this,” explains Patti Jagodzinski (Tomahawk, WI). “Voila, Lemon Pepper Panko Crusted Fish was born!”
The presentation is really pretty. And, I love the flavor in this recipe. The potato and the Parmesan cheese in the breading were a nice addition along with the lemon Panko crumbs.
If you have an issue finding lemon Panko bread crumbs, use the trick that Renee Johnson (Huntington Beach, CA) used. “I didn’t have lemon pepper Panko,” shared Renee. “I used regular Panko and added lots of lemon pepper to the coating mixture. It turned out perfect.” A great tip if you’re in a pinch.
Cindy Holman (Montrose, CO) suggests using “any white fish like mahi-mahi, tilapia, perch or cod” when making her Parmesan-Red Pepper Fish.
Honorary Kitchen Crew member Diane Hopson-Smith (Pine Mountain, GA) taste-tested this recipe and it was a hit at her dinner table! “I served it on a bed of rice, a twist of lemon and a side of seasoned broccoli,” shares Diane. “I seasoned with Cajun seasonings and it was the perfect meal.” Simple ingredients create one delicious dinner.
“My husband and I are trying to eat healthier and fresh foods are at the top of our list,” says Katrina Freed (Newark, DE). “I have never been much of a seafood fan, but this is so good I want to make it again soon!” Katrina’s Almond Crusted Tilapia for Two is the perfect portion for two people. If you’re looking to cook for more, just double the recipe.
Initially, I was concerned there wouldn’t be enough flavor since all the seasoning was in the egg mixture, but boy was I wrong. The slight crust the almond and cheese give is great on the tender fish. Quick, easy and super good!
Cooking with fish can be tricky and something a lot of beginner cooks stay away from tackling. But once you get a technique down, like encrusting, cooking it at home is actually simple.
This week, I encourage all you newbies in the kitchen (and those seasoned cooks too) to start Fish Friday’s at your home. Get creative… the fun is in creating the crust. Happy Pinching!