Tilapia is great for a quick weeknight meal since it doesn’t take long to thaw. This fried tilapia sandwich is easy to make and keeps us full.
Jump to RecipeOne of the staple foods we keep in the freezer here is a bag of tilapia fillets. Yes, I know tilapia isn’t the best fish, but I don’t like fish that’s very…. fishy. Tilapia is mild, easy to cook, and doesn’t have the scales to worry about on it. It’s perfect to make a quick Fried Tilapia Sandwich.
In other words, tilapia is great for those nights that we need a really quick dinner but forgot to take something else out. It’s rare that we actually schedule any tilapia meal in our weekly meal plan because it’s always our backup plan.
When we were visiting my family in Florida a couple of years ago, my dad made us each a fried tilapia sandwich for dinner one evening. They were so simple, yet so delicious!
As with most meals lately, the boys won’t always eat this. But they have been such picky eaters recently. I’m not surprised. And, in typical kid fashion, they may love something one night but then claim they don’t like it the next.
Sometimes, I find that if they help make dinner, they are more likely to give it a try. They like helping with this because it gets their hands messy. And what kid doesn’t like to get messy with permission?
Justin and I really like this for a quick and easy meal that will still keep us full throughout the evening. The ingredients are ones that we always have on hand making this a simple dinner for us. Of course, we may also be preparing a PB&J for the boys, but that’s beside the point.
You can add toppings to the sandwich if you like. I prefer mine plain. But Justin likes to add a slice of tomato and spinach to his when we have it.
Step by Step
Thaw the tilapia according to directions. I find that it only needs about 5-10 minutes out of the freezer to thaw enough to work with. You don’t want it too warm.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. While it’s warming, set out three shallow bowls or plates to bread the fish. The first should have the flour, the second eggs, and the last contains the breadcrumbs.
Take each tilapia fillet and dip it in the flour then eggs then breadcrumbs. Make sure it gets completely covered at each step.
Place the fish in the heated oil and cook until it’s flaky and white inside. Season the fish as it cooks with the onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Make sure to flip the fish at least once while it fries.
Toast the bread and spread mayonnaise on one side of each piece.
Place each cooked fillet between two pieces of bread and serve immediately. The fish will cool very quickly and can make the bread a bit soggy, so you want to eat it as soon as possible.
Recipe
Originally Published On: March 24, 2016
Last Updated On: December 21, 2019
Fried Tilapia Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 lb tilapia fillets
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley flakes
- 4 slices bread
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet
- Put flour and bread crumbs on 2 separate plates and egg in a bowl
- Bread the fish by covering in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs
- Place fish in heated oil to fry, flipping at least once
- Season fish while cooking
- When fish is cooked, put some mayonnaise on the bread then the fish in between
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Oooh, I bet this would work to make fish and chips, too! Any other fish that you’d recommend? I’m not a fan of tilapia 🙂
Tilapia is the only one I usually eat since I don’t like very fishy fish. But I’ve heard salmon is good for this type of meal, too.
I have no idea why, but I need this sandwich right now. It’s calling to me. Fish sandwiches are always good, but for some reason my heart wants this, now.
It’s such a simple sandwich to put together, but I agree, so delicious!
It’s a good move when you need to make a quick sandwich and have ingredients around to spice it up. The much maligned Tilapia has its place in the kitchen, for sure.
I always have to spice up anything we make. I don’t like spicy foods, but I like them to have bold flavors.
I’m the same way – most fish is too fishy-tasting! But tilapia is actually edible. I’ve never thought about putting it on a sandwich – and with mayo, yum! – but I’m craving it now!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels that way! I wasn’t sure about the mayo at first, but when my dad insisted, I tried it and I’m so glad I did!
This is more or less how I always prepare fish to bake in the oven as part of dinner, but I never think to pan-fry it for quick fish sandwiches! What a good idea! We’ll have to try this sometime 🙂
I use the same method for a lot of things, too. We do both pan-fried and baked, depending on the flavor we want. The fried fish works well on a sandwich, though!
One can we say yum?!?! Definitely a recipe the whole family would enjoy! So giving it a try
It’s such a simple recipe, but it tastes so good and makes a great light lunch or dinner when you need it.
this looks so yummy- great recipe to make
Thanks, Cait!
I just learnt there was a fish called tilapia! how ignorant I am!!! Well, this sounds great and I’m certainly going to try it out.
It’s ok, there are many fish I am not aware of, and my dad is a fisherman! Tilapia is very mild, which is why I like it so much.
My mom eats tilapia all the time! I’m going to share this recipe with her. I think my daughter would enjoy it as well.
I hope you guys enjoy it! The sandwich is a great way to make it a bit different but still quick and easy.
This sounds so delicious! I love a good fish sandwich. I typically use haddock, but I will have to give it a try with tilapia!
I’ve never cooked with haddock before. I don’t know if I’ve ever even tried it!
Oooo now that looks like one yummy sandwich!!! Perfect for lunch! Might just have to make them this week!
I agree, it’s quick enough to make during lunch and would be a really light meal, too.