In March, and on the 17th in particular, all eyes turn to the Emerald Isle – Ireland (in honor of St. Patrick). Corned beef, cabbage and green beer all around! But there’s also another staple from Ireland that’s synonymous with the island and its people, and that’s fish & chips.
The typical presentation for Irish fish & chips is to take white, flaky fish like cod, haddock or pollock, dredge it in thick batter and give it a hot oil bath. The unbattered chips (potatoes) get the same deep-fried treatment. Everything gets a generous blast of salt. Napkins are a definite must!
While traditional fish & chips are certainly tasty, it’s not the most heart-smart way to enjoy treasures from the sea and soil. So, from Morey’s to you, here’s a more nourishing spin on a fish & chips meal event for St. Patty’s day or ANY day!
Crisp Broiled Tilapia with Pan-Seared Baby Reds
Morey’s Seasoned Grill Tilapia is a beautiful white, flaky fish that’s perfect for fish & chips. To prepare it, simply take the thawed fillets out of their packages, squeeze the built-in Seasoned Grill marinade right over the top and bake the fish at 375° F for 12 minutes.
Then, remove the fillets and dust them lightly with seasoned breadcrumbs. These will stick nicely to the moist marinade on top. Switch the oven to broil and finish the fish for 3-4 minutes. The breadcrumbs will toast on top and give the tilapia an authentic fish & chips “crunch!”
While the magic is happening in the oven, heat up a frying pan to medium-high on the stove. Get the tiniest baby red potatoes you can find (smaller than golf balls). Pre-boil them and allow them to dry. Then coat the potatoes in olive oil and dust them with coarse sea salt, cracked pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. If you like a little “bite,” introduce a little cayenne too.
In that hot pan, keep those baby reds rolling around to sear the entire surface and lock in all that seasoned flavor.
On your plate, the crispy Morey’s Seasoned Grill Tilapia and seared baby reds will look delightful, especially with a garnish of fresh parsley and sliced lemons. You’ll get all the crunch of traditional Irish fish & chips but without the guilt of deep-fried batter.
Bain sult as do iasc!
Which is Irish for “Enjoy your fish!”