Perfect pair: Fish with panko crust and tzatziki
Any flaky white fish would be perfect in this recipe. You just want a mild, moist fish, which then will be encased in a crunchy coating, and a base for the flavorful, creamy and crunchy sauce. Serve this up with some steamed or sauteed green beans to round out the plate.
Tzatziki is one of the most classic Greek sauces, served with everything from pita (as a dip) to lamb to seafood. It’s a refreshing mix of cucumber, garlic and yogurt, and then the options broaden.
PANKO-CRUSTED FISH WITH TZATZIKI
Serves 4; start to finish:
45 minutes
1 small cucumber
½ cup minced fennel
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
4 (6-ounce) fillets barramundi, tilapia, haddock, halibut or other mild, firm-fleshed white fish
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 eggs, beaten 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 teaspoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon finely minced garlic
1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
Preparation: Peel the cucumber. Slice in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a teaspoon. Grate the cucumber using the large holes on a box grater or the grating blade in a food processor. Toss the cucumber with the fennel and salt, and place in a strainer over a bowl or in the sink.
Season the fish with salt and pepper. Place the egg and panko into two separate shallow bowls. Stir the parsley into the panko.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Dunk each fillet in the egg, so that is it well coated, then dredge each filet in the panko mixture. Place the coated fillets in the hot oil and saute the fish for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the fish to a paper towel-lined plate.
Use your hands to squeeze the cucumber mixture to press out any extra liquid, then place in a medium bowl. Add the mint, oregano, lemon juice, garlic and yogurt. Stir well, and add pepper and any additional salt as needed (remember the cucumbers and fennel were salted at the beginning).
Serve the fish hot, with a spoonful of tzatziki on the side.