Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup coconut meal for breading
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 large egg whites (or whole eggs), beaten
• 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 1/2-by-3-inch strips

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat it with some coconut oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a blender, combine the coconut meal, pepper, minced garlic, paprika, and salt. Process the mixture until the coconut is finely ground. Transfer it to a shallow dish.
3. Place the beaten egg whites (or whole eggs) in a separate dish.
4. Dip each piece of tilapia in the egg whites, coating it completely.
5. Roll the egg-coated tilapia in the coconut breading mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
6. Place the coated tilapia strips on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle a few drops of olive oil over each piece of coated tilapia.
8. Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven until the fish is cooked through and the breading is golden brown, usually for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
9. Serve the delicious coconut-crusted tilapia with a large fiber-loaded salad for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Variations:

1. Citrus Twist: Add some grated lime or lemon zest to the coconut breading mixture to give the tilapia a zesty flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture for a spicier version of the coconut-crusted tilapia.
3. Herb Infusion: Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the coconut meal mixture to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the coconut meal used for breading is gluten-free to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.
5. Dipping Sauces: Serve the coconut-crusted tilapia with various dipping sauces like mango salsa, tartar sauce, or sweet chili sauce for extra flavor.
6. Nutty Crunch: Mix finely chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts with the coconut breading mixture for an added nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
7. Coconut Curry: Infuse the coconut breading mixture with curry powder and a pinch of turmeric to give the tilapia an exotic and aromatic twist.
8. Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the beaten egg whites before coating the tilapia in the breading mixture for a sweet and spicy combination.
9. Cajun Spice: Create a Cajun-style tilapia by using Cajun seasoning in the coconut breading mixture for a flavorful and slightly spicy kick.
10. Asian Fusion: Incorporate Asian flavors by adding ginger and soy sauce to the beaten egg whites, and rolling the tilapia in a combination of coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
11. Herbed Panko Combo: Mix coconut meal with panko breadcrumbs and a blend of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme for a crispy and herb-infused crust.
12. Smoky Chipotle: Add ground chipotle chili powder to the coconut breading mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the coconut.

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)