I love a good fish sandwich and it has been a while since I’ve had one. I came across this recipe using tilapia, a firm, forgiving and inexpensive fish. I loved the idea of piling coleslaw over the fish and using pulverized almonds as part of the crust, making it somewhat reminiscent of sole almondine.
The sandwich was crispy, sophisticated, fun and not to mention budget-friendly. It’s a great addition to regular dinners around here. When we get home from working in the vineyard we are starving and this will hit the spot quite nicely without feeling like a heavy meal.
The fish remained juicy within its crust and the splash of lemon was the perfect finish. You can use any type of bread, toasting it or throwing it on the grill pan gives the sandwich a good textural contrast.
Try it out when you have some time.
In a medium bowl, whisk the mustard, relish and honey. Whisk in 1/4 cup oil. Add the cabbage and season with salt and pepper; toss.
Using a food processor, grind the almonds. Stir in the breadcrumbs and thyme. Place in a shallow bowl. Place the flour and beaten eggs in 2 other shallow bowls.
Halve the tilapia fillets crosswise, making 8 small pieces of fish. Pat the fish dry and season with salt. Dip the fish first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the butter to melt. Add the coated fish and cook, turning once, until brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Douse the fish with the lemon juice.
Place a piece of fish and a big pile of the slaw on the toast. Halve the sandwich and serve with potato chips. I do think salt and vinegar chips would go best.
Butter-Almond-Crusted Fish Sandwiches
From Everyday
2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons pickle relish
1 Tablespoon honey
1/4 cup plus 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 head small cabbage or 1/2 pound shredded slaw mix
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
Flour for coating
2 eggs, beaten
4 fillets tilapia (about 1 pound)
3 Tablespoons butter
Juice of 1 lemon
8 slices good-quality white bread or split rolls of choice, toasted
Chips
In a medium bowl, whisk the mustard, relish and honey. Whisk in 1/4 cup oil. Add the cabbage and season with salt and pepper; toss.
Using a food processor, grind the almonds. Stir in the breadcrumbs and thyme. Place in a shallow bowl. Place the flour and beaten eggs in 2 other shallow bowls.
Halve the tilapia fillets crosswise, making 8 small pieces of fish. Pat the fish dry and season with salt. Dip the fish first in the flour, then in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the butter to melt. Add the coated fish and cook, turning once, until brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Douse the fish with the lemon juice.
Place a piece of fish and a big pile of the slaw on the toast. Halve the sandwich and serve with potato chips. I do think salt and vinegar chips would go best.
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Audrey at Barking Mad says
Yum! I just tried Tilapia for the first time a couple of days ago, and for once, I actually liked a fish! This is definitely something, as I LOVE almonds, that I’m going to make! Not to mention, it’s absolutely lovely looking!
Dirk in Maine says
This looks/sounds amazing!
leslie says
My mouth actually started to water when I saw these!!!!!!!!!!!!
leslie says
My mouth started to water when I saw these!!!
Katrina says
Mmm, love a good fish sammie!
stephanie says
I was going to have popcorn for dinner… but now i need need need to have this
dawn says
This sounds so yummy with that coleslaw!!
Rachel the SdOC says
Nice idea for fish coating. You could probably have fun playing with different nuts on this too.
*hmmm* does that sound slightly off-color talking about playing with different nuts?
Lena in VT says
Absolutely scrumptious! I love tilapia, it’s so versatile.
Pam says
Now that is a fantastic sandwich.
pigpigscorner says
The almond crust sounds wonderful! Something different from just plain breadcrumbs!
bellini valli says
Salt and vinegar potato chips would make us think we were at the fish and chip shop, which there are fewer and fewer really good ones. This is a lighter version of a classic Cathy. Yum.
Marjie says
The almonds in the breading is a wonderful idea. This sounds like a great fish sandwich.
Liz C. says
Just the title alone hooked me. Then, I saw the pictures, which are amazing & drool inducing. I would have never thought this up. And, I can hardly wait to give it a whirl…
Lisa says
This sandwich looks totally amazing. It is everything that is wonderful about fish sandwiches with a fun twist. I really shouldn’t stop here when I hungry!
Marcy Able says
oooh, i have to bookmark this page – my hubby and MIL love Tilapia. I would be willing to try this recipe too!
LilSis says
We eat fish at least twice a week around my house, but for some reason, I never buy tilapia. Now, I will!! Your fish sandwich looks amazing! I love the grilled bread, too. I so wish I had one of these for lunch today! 🙂
vanillasugar says
i love when you do kicked up recipes. i mean seriously woman this just sounds like flavor-heaven to me.
Robin Sue says
Now that’s the way to have a fish sandwich. Yum!
annbb says
I love good fish sandwiches and that looks GOOD!
Lynda says
That’s the best looking fish sandwich I have ever seen! I want one now 🙂
Blond Duck says
I’ve been craving a fish sandwich that wasn’t deep fried. This looks awesome!
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen says
Wow, this looks so good! I want one right now!
Aly says
Would this work well with Halibut and Salmon? I’m blessed (or cursed depending on your definition!) of family that loves to fish and I’m running out of ways to make it.
Carol says
Those look SO good…….it’s breakfast time here and I’m suddenly craving a fish sandwich after looking at that photo. I can’t wait to try these-for lunch or dinner. 🙂
Paula says
I’m totally digging this. That almond coating is terrific, and the addition of cabbage reminds me of a fish taco. This would be a huge hit in my house. YUM!
jill says
just made these tonight and they were fabulous!
Cozydelicious says
This looks fantastic! All of that fresh slaw and the flaky fish – yum! And I truly love that you just used plain old toast, nothing fancy to detract from the fillings.
Ashley Gordon says
I have made this and it is soo amazing! Instead of regular bread I used a Kaiser Roll ( I live in jersey so we have really good fresh Kaiser Rolls!!) It has become a staple for dinner around here! So easy and so very delsih!
Kim Livingoo says
Yeah! Success with my 8 & 10 year old boys. I opted to just prepare and cook the Tilapia according to directions and they ATE IT! Thanks so much! (Hubby loved it, too!)
Jonnee B. says
Wow I do not even like Tilapia, but that was the best fish sandwich I have evr had. We will certainly use this recipe again. Thanks 🙂
Cathy says
I know, it’s amazing.