Tilapia Fish Sticks

Ingredients

• 1 lb approximately 4 tilapia filets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1. If the tilapia is frozen, thaw it in its sealed packets under cool water for about 5 minutes. Cut each filet lengthwise into two or three strips, choosing based on how wide it is, then cut across the strips so you end up with 4-6 sticks.
2. Set up your breading area with three bowls. Stir together the flour and cajun seasoning in the first bowl, or use salt, pepper, and any other seasonings instead. Beat two eggs in the second bowl. Pour the panko bread crumbs into the third bowl.
3. Coat each tilapia stick in the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg, and finish with a layer of panko crumbs. As you work, move the breaded sticks to a plate until they are all coated.
4. Warm 2 Tbsp of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. The fish can go in when the pan is very hot; a drop of water should sputter hard as soon as it hits the skillet. Add half of the sticks and cook them until each side is golden brown in color. Transfer them to a paper towel-covered plate to drain. Clean out the skillet, pour in the remaining vegetable oil (2 Tbsp), and cook the second batch of fish sticks just as you cooked the first.