Breaded Thick Fillets, with or without Apples

This delightful recipe combines the flavors of apples and fish, inspired by the culinary traditions of northern France. The result is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of crisp apples with the savory taste of tender fish fillets. However, if you prefer a more straightforward and quick preparation, you can skip the apples and create breaded fish fillets or fish sticks in just a few easy steps. This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to enjoy a variety of seafood options, from red snapper to halibut or salmon, large shrimp or scallops, or even smelts.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 crisp, not-too-sweet apples, such as Granny Smith
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs, preferably fresh, plus more as needed
• Four 6-ounce red snapper or other fillets
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine, Calvados, or brandy (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into rings or thin wedges. Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the apples, raise the heat to medium-high, and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Transfer the caramelized apples to a plate and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you prepare the fish.
3. Wipe out the skillet (be careful as it will be hot) and return it to medium-high heat. Season the flour with salt and pepper on a plate, and beat the egg in a bowl. Place the bread crumbs on another plate.
4. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, and when the foam subsides, dredge each fish fillet in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the bread crumbs before placing it in the pan.
5. Cook the fillets until they are nicely browned on both sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes in total. The fillets should be white, opaque, and tender inside when done.
6. Transfer the cooked fish to a platter. Drizzle the lemon juice and wine (if using) over the caramelized apples, and spoon a portion of the apple mixture onto each fillet.
7. Serve and enjoy this delicious combination of apples and fish, a fusion of delightful flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

VARIATION:

PECAN-BREADED THICK FILLETS, WITH OR WITHOUT APPLES:

For a variation of this recipe, you can create pecan-breaded thick fillets. Simply substitute half of the bread crumbs with finely ground pecans or other nuts of your choice. This alternative adds a delightful nutty flavor and a pleasing texture to the dish. Whether you decide to include the apples or not, this variation provides an exciting twist to the classic fish fillet preparation.

With its combination of sweet and savory flavors, this apple and fish recipe offers a unique and delightful culinary experience that will impress your family and guests alike. The simple steps and versatility of this dish make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and savor the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.