Recipe - Kid Friendly and Healthy Panko Crusted Tilapia

My kids love fish sticks - but they aren't the healthiest and quite honestly I would rather my kids eat fish that was prepared in a healthier, less greasy manner.  I wanted to maintain the crunch since that is what the kids love, so I looked for a recipe with panko bread crumbs.  The Whole Foods website had a wonderful, easy and tasty recipe that I had all the ingredients for.  My kids loved not only the crunchy topping but also the lemon zest in the topping - truth be told they love lemony anything.  Matter of fact, I served the tilapia with steamed broccoli dressed with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Survey says: 2 out of 3 kids loved it (the 3rd liked it but not loved it), and I loved it.  This easy peasy meal has earned it's spot in our healthy dinner rotation.

Ingredients: 

• 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pan
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 (5-ounce) tilapia fillets

Method: 

Spread bread crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet and place into the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F, toasting bread crumbs while the oven preheats. Timing will depend on the oven, but it should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the baking sheet when bread crumbs are lightly golden, stirring once (watch carefully so crumbs don't burn).

Meanwhile, stir together lemon zest, oil, basil, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in toasted bread crumbs and mix until evenly blended. Brush the baking sheet lightly with additional oil.

Pat fillets dry with paper towels. Coat both sides of fillets by pressing into crumb mixture in the bowl and then place them onto the oiled baking sheet. Press remaining crumbs on top of fillets. Bake until fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 15 minutes.

Recipe courtesy Whole Foods