27 April 2025
Graham Cracker-Crusted Tilapia
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoM
An easy, healthy tilapia recipe coated with graham cracker crumbs and pecans, baked until perfectly flaky.
🐟 Graham Cracker-Crusted Tilapia
Looking for a light yet flavorful seafood dish? This Graham Cracker-Crusted Tilapia is a surprising twist on baked fish — perfectly flaky fillets coated in a crunchy mix of graham cracker crumbs and toasted pecans. 🍋✨ The result is a wholesome, golden crust that’s both sweet and savory, ideal for a quick weeknight meal.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & light — baked, not fried.
- Quick to prepare — ready in just 20 minutes.
- Unique flavor — graham cracker crumbs add a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with fish.
🧂 Key Ingredients
This dish is all about simple pantry staples with a touch of creativity:
- Tilapia fillets — mild and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Graham cracker crumbs — for a sweet crunch that complements the pecans.
- Lemon zest — brightens up the dish with a citrusy note.
- Toasted pecans — add depth and a nutty aroma.
- Canola oil — helps the crust turn perfectly crisp in the oven.
👩🍳 How It Comes Together
Start by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C) and setting up two small bowls — one for milk, the other for your crumb mixture of graham crackers, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Dip each tilapia piece into the milk, then coat it thoroughly with crumbs. Arrange them neatly in a baking dish, drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
Bake for about 10 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately for that warm, crispy finish.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Pair your graham cracker-crusted tilapia with:
- A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus 🥦
- A refreshing lemon-dill yogurt sauce
- Or even brown rice pilaf for a balanced meal.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor.
- Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their nuttiness.
- Cut the tilapia into even pieces so they bake evenly.
⚖️ Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximately 222 calories, 24g protein, 10g fat, and only 10g carbs — a perfect macro-friendly seafood dinner that feels indulgent but keeps your goals on track. 💪
This dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring — sometimes it just takes a creative crust! 😋
Graham Cracker-Crusted Tilapia
Michael Matthews adapted by JojoMAn easy, healthy tilapia recipe coated with graham cracker crumbs and pecans, baked until perfectly flaky.
Chef's Tips
Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their nuttiness.
Cut the tilapia pieces evenly to ensure even baking.
Tools Used
Baking DishSmall BowlsOven
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Ingredients
USMetric
For the Tilapia
Instructions
Preparation
- 1
Position oven rack slightly above the middle and preheat to 500°F (260°C). Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- 2
Cut tilapia fillets crosswise into 2-inch wide pieces.
- 3
In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Pour milk into a separate small bowl.
- 4
Dip each piece of fish into the milk, then coat with the graham cracker mixture. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Drizzle fish with canola oil and sprinkle toasted pecans on top.
- 6
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion (about 113g)
Calories 222
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g13%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 55mg18%
Sodium 240mg10%
Total Carbohydrates 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 2g
Protein 24g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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