Pistachio and panko crusted Tilapia

Panko.
It sounds like something your going to have to clean.
Hard.
Like with a Brillo pad.

In truth nothing could be lighter or more crisp. Panko are Japanese bread crumbs readily available at most Asian markets and increasingly sold at places like Pathmark. Made of a finely worked wheat base ,it makes a beautifully browned and crunchy crust. Think tempura or plumb pork.
Panko is the uber crumb.

Paired with Pistachio it makes a nice overcoat for a good piece of fish or a chicken boob. (ok ok now im making it sound obscene...like a flasher...)
I've seen a lot of similar recipes online that use a lemon sauce or some other accompaniment but I prefer mine a cappella over a simple salad or with some brown rice.

The recipe that follows is approximate. You may need to add more or less of something but its a place to start:

• 2 pieces of fish. I used Tilapia because it isnt "overly fishy."

• 2 cups panko

• a little under 1-1/2 cups crushed pistachios

• large garlic clove minced

• tblsp parsley

• 1 tsp honey

• juice of one lemon

Roast shelled pistachios in a hot oven at about 300- 350 until they are browned and smell fragrant.
crush in a cuisinart or with the side of a large knife. They dont need to be entirely pulverized but make sure they are somewhat fine or you will have a completly different and less appetizing recipe on hand. I like to call it "Panko GRAVEL crusted Tilapia."

Mix pistachio,panko, garlic, and parsley to create your breadcrumb.
At this point you can either choose to simply roll the fish around in it or use some sort of adhesive food to help the breadcrumbs stick.
One time I used lemon juice mixed with a small amount of honey.
Another time i used some fig basalmic.
I say Do it up.


There are two plans of attack.
You can either brown the breaded fish in the frying pan first and then place it in a hot oven (350) for about 5-10 minutes.
or
Put a little olive oil in the bottom of a heat save dish and cook covered in the oven set to 400 for about 10 minutes or so. Flip half way through to ensure the panko is crispy on both sides. The higer heat helps it crisp up.