I’ve always loved a crispy, crusted Tilapia or Mahi Mahi and whenever I see it a nut-crusted fish option on a menu, I’m always tempted to order it. But I end up refraining because it’s usually crusted in flour (not just nuts) and fried in poor-quality oils. So, I decided it was time to figure out how to make a crunchy fish that’s full of clean and healthy ingredients, and I’m happy to report that I finally did it! This recipe is super flavorful, and pairing it with the mango-avocado salsa gives it a nice, juicy twist. Cooking it on the stove-top with coconut oil really adds to the flavor and gives the quinoa a perfectly crispy texture.

Ingredients
2 Tilapia fillets – cut in half widthwise (or any other flaky white fish)
1/4 cup ground flaxmeal / flaxseeds
2 eggs
1/2 cup cooked quinoa, room temperature
2 tbsp coconut oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Mango-Avocado Salsa
1/2 avocado
1/3 cup diced mango
1/3 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
1 diced shallot
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt & pepper

Serves 2.

1. Season fish with salt and pepper.
2. Set up a dipping station. One shallow bowl with the flax meal, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the quinoa.  
3. Press each tilapia fillet into the ground flaxseeds. Then dip it in the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
4. Then place the fish in the cooked quinoa. (It’s easier if the quinoa is room temp, not hot). Press quinoa into the fish to make sure it sticks.
5. In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat your coconut oil on the stove, and once it’s melted and the skillet is hot, place the prepped tilapia in the pan. You should get a nice sizzle when you start cooking it.
6. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You’ll know when to flip the tilapia when the quinoa looks browned and crispy. While the fish cooks, prep the salsa.
7. Once the fish is cooked through (you can always cut into the center of the tilapia to see if it is ready – it should be nice and flaky), remove from stove and top with the mango-avocado salsa.

I hope you all love this recipe as much as I do!