I've had this recipe for a while cut out of the Chicago Tribune food section. Even though I don't like coconut I thought this sounded good. I have to admit it was just OK. It was fairly bland without the pineapple relish. Brian didn't like it because of the hint of coconut flavor. I wonder if it would be better with chicken because chicken has more flavor? Or maybe you need a more flavorful fish? N2 ate it because they were forced to eat it. I probably won't try this again with fish. I do have a bag of coconut and half a bag of macadamia nuts left. Not sure what to do with them!
Macadamia and Coconut Crusted Fish
tilapia fillets (I used 3 from Costco)
1/2 cup dry roasted macadamia nuts, finely chopped (I put them in the food processor)
1/2 cup panko bread crbums
1/4 cup flaked or shredded unsweetened coconut (I couldn't find this so I used regular sweetened coconut)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (can use cilantro or chives if you prefer)
1/4 tsp ginger
2 egg whites (I used 1 whole egg and 1 egg white)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven t 450. Make sure fish is thawed and pat dry. Mix chopped nuts, panko, coconut, herbs, ginger, salt and pepper. Put egg whites in another shallow dish and beat lightly with a fork. Dip fish into egg whites and then into breadcrumb mixture. Meanwhile heat oil in an oven safe skillet. Add fish to pan. Cook on each side until golden brown about 2 minutes per side. Put in oven and cook until fish is done. Mine took about 10 minutes maybe since it was still frozen. Serve with pineapple relish.
Pineapple Relish
1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple chunks
1/4 seedless cucumber, finely diced (I used a regular cucumber and scooped out the seeds)
2 tbsp finely diced red onion
2-3 tbsp chopped parsley (you can use chives or cilantro)
1/2 tsp fresh lime juice (I used the juice of one lime)
drizzle of sesame oil
salt and pepper to taste
Mix all in a small bowl. Let stand about 20 minutes before serving.