Pecan Crusted Tilapia

While unloading my groceries from a quick trip at the grocery store one evening, I found a pound of fresh tilapia in my bag that I did not purchase along with cocktail sauce. After double checking my receipt and realizing I was the only person in line when checking out, I figured it wouldn't be worth driving back to the store to return something I didn't purchase. And besides we love tilapia. It just wasn't on my list that day! But, it must be destiny since I searched for a new recipe to make with my free tilapia and we could not have had a better meal! This was super quick and using the pan with a small amount of oil gives it a fried taste without all the fat and calories. This goes into the dinner rotation and definitely became a favorite of ours.




Pecan Crusted Tilapia (Cooking Light)

1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 (6-ounce) tilapia or snapper fillets
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
4 lemon wedges

Combine first 5 ingredients in a shallow dish. Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a medium bowl; place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge 1 fillet in flour. Dip in buttermilk mixture; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat procedure with remaining fillets, flour, buttermilk mixture, and breadcrumb mixture.

Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 fillets; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and fillets. Serve with lemon wedges.