Coconut-crusted fish fillets have a golden, nutty, slightly sweet crust and moist, flaky fish inside. White fish is coated in flour, egg and a mix of panko and unsweetened shredded coconut, then pan-fried until crisp.
Getting the Crust Right
Pat the fillets completely dry so the coating sticks. Use unsweetened coconut, which browns evenly without burning as quickly as sweetened. Fry over medium heat rather than high, since coconut darkens fast. Choose fillets of similar thickness, or pound thick pieces gently to about 3/4 inch, so everything cooks at the same rate.
Kosher Notes
This dish is pareve. Halibut, cod and tilapia are all kosher. Check that the shredded coconut carries a reliable hechsher. Serve with a mango salsa or sweet chili sauce.
Leftovers
Leftovers keep for 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore some crispness.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
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Method
- Pat fish fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Transfer to a shallow dish and let cool completely.
- Set up your breading station: In one shallow dish, combine flour, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and paprika. In a second dish, place beaten eggs. In the third dish, add the toasted panko-coconut mixture.
- Dredge each fish fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the coconut-panko mixture, coating both sides completely.
- Heat vegetable oil in the same large skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, carefully add fish fillets, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until second side is golden and fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly, then serve immediately while the crust is at its crispiest.
Notes
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