Pan-Fried Tilapia and Summer Saute

Holy moly, summer is upon us!  Is it hot enough for you?  The temperature has been rising and we have been sweating our little bums off on the NJ shore.  Thank goodness for air conditioner.

What's good about summer?  Meh, not much in my book.  The ONE thing I look forward to during this time of year is the food--fresh fruit and veggies galore!

We have been munching down on all sorts of healthy goodness around our house this summer and thinking of creative ways to keep it fresh has been a good challenge.  I mean, how many ways can you REALLY make squash?  Oh, and did I mention that the dear husband hates squash?  (who hates squash?!)  To add yet another challenge to the mix, we're also on this whole "see how much we can save in life" kick, which means our meals have to be both a) healthy; and b) cheap.

This week, while shopping, I had a TON of coupons for free and/or low-cost veggies and there was a great sale on fresh fish, so I stocked up.   Armed with with both, I had some serious cooking to do.  Ya.

The outcome was a great meal that prompted a "I still don't understand why you didn't go go culinary school" from the husband.  I think that means he liked it. :)

Pan Fried Tilapia and Summer Saute


Ingredients: 
2 tilapia filets-fresh
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup bread crumbs (any kind)
2 eggs
2 ears of corn, kernels removed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 squash sliced into thin slices
1 zucchini sliced into thin slices
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
4 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbs butter
1 tsp old bay seasoning

Directions:

In a large saute pan, bring 2 Tbs olive oil to heat.  Add garlic and stir for about 1 minute.  Add butter and let it melt.  Add zucchini and let simmer for about 1 minute.  Add corn and squash, cook for about 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes and old bay seasoning.  Let simmer for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat and let rest.

In a large saute pan, bring 2 Tbs olive oil to heat.  In a small bowl, whisk eggs together.  Place bread crumbs on plate.  Dredge tilapia through egg mixture and roll in bread crumbs-transfer immediately to pan to cook.  Cook on each side until golden and crispy.  Flip only once.

Serve with light scattering of scallions atop both stir fry and tilapia--and add sour cream for a bit of bite!  

Cost Breakdown: $2.75 per person
Calories:  Approximately 320 per person.