Quick and Easy Tilapia Burgers
Growing up with fried salmon patties on the rare occasion when salmon was on sale—I have carried over that salmon patty technique and basic concept into other fish cakes. Sometimes strong salmon is just what the menu orders, but at other times the family (especially the little family) is in the mood for a more mild fish. Fresh, poached tilapia is combined with a variety of condiments and vegetables then fried to a golden brown.
Tilapia Burger Ingredients
1 Lb. Fresh Tilapia or Frozen Tilapia Filets, thawed
1/3 c. Onions with tops, finely chopped
1 Large Stalk Celery with leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp. Dried Dill Weed
1 Tbsp. Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard
1/8 Tsp. White Pepper
¼ Tsp. Salt
½ C. Unseasoned Bread Crumbs or Crushed Unsalted Saltine Crackers
1 Large Egg , lightly beaten
Instructions for Tilapia BurgersMany people opt to simply finely chop or cube the raw tilapia filets and fry raw. I have found that lightly poaching the fish first seems to seal in its flavor while taking away some of its farm fresh “fishiness”. It also makes it easier to simply brown the patties without undercooking the fish.
Poach the Fresh Tilapia. Place the fish into a shallow skillet, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the fish just begins to flake with the fork but is still firm. Remove the fish from the skillet with a large slotted spoon, draining away any water, and place it into a large mixing bowl.
Combine the Ingredients. Flake the fish with a fork to break it up into small, less than bite sized pieces and shreds. Add the chopped onion, celery, dill, mustard, salt, and pepper to the fish and mix thoroughly to combine. Add in the egg and bread crumbs. At this point it may be easier to mix the ingredients by hand. This will help you to ensure that the mixture holds together well.
Preheat the frying skillet. Add 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil to a 10 inch skillet and heat over medium heat until hot.
Score the Ingredients into Four Portions and Form the Tilapia Burger Patties. Form four patties from the mixture. Press lightly, but do not completely flatten. The four “burgers” should fit nicely into a 10 inch skillet.
Fry the Tilapia until Golden Brown. Place the tilapia burgers into the hot skillet and fry over medium to high heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve alone or on buns with tarter sauce or light mayonnaise. Sides of coleslaw with either French Fries, baked potatoes or couscous work well with the flavors of the fish “burgers”.
Tilapia Burger Ingredients
1 Lb. Fresh Tilapia or Frozen Tilapia Filets, thawed
1/3 c. Onions with tops, finely chopped
1 Large Stalk Celery with leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp. Dried Dill Weed
1 Tbsp. Dijon or Spicy Brown Mustard
1/8 Tsp. White Pepper
¼ Tsp. Salt
½ C. Unseasoned Bread Crumbs or Crushed Unsalted Saltine Crackers
1 Large Egg , lightly beaten
Instructions for Tilapia BurgersMany people opt to simply finely chop or cube the raw tilapia filets and fry raw. I have found that lightly poaching the fish first seems to seal in its flavor while taking away some of its farm fresh “fishiness”. It also makes it easier to simply brown the patties without undercooking the fish.
Poach the Fresh Tilapia. Place the fish into a shallow skillet, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the fish just begins to flake with the fork but is still firm. Remove the fish from the skillet with a large slotted spoon, draining away any water, and place it into a large mixing bowl.
Combine the Ingredients. Flake the fish with a fork to break it up into small, less than bite sized pieces and shreds. Add the chopped onion, celery, dill, mustard, salt, and pepper to the fish and mix thoroughly to combine. Add in the egg and bread crumbs. At this point it may be easier to mix the ingredients by hand. This will help you to ensure that the mixture holds together well.
Preheat the frying skillet. Add 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil to a 10 inch skillet and heat over medium heat until hot.
Score the Ingredients into Four Portions and Form the Tilapia Burger Patties. Form four patties from the mixture. Press lightly, but do not completely flatten. The four “burgers” should fit nicely into a 10 inch skillet.
Fry the Tilapia until Golden Brown. Place the tilapia burgers into the hot skillet and fry over medium to high heat for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve alone or on buns with tarter sauce or light mayonnaise. Sides of coleslaw with either French Fries, baked potatoes or couscous work well with the flavors of the fish “burgers”.
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