Tilapia, Southern Pepper-Fried With Hot Pepper Sauce Recipe

ingredients

1 1/2 pound tilapia fillets, rinsed in cold water
2 lemons, cut into wedges
2 cups milk
2 cups cornmeal
2 1/2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
salt, to taste
vegetable oil, for frying

Hot Pepper Sauce
1 cup bottled clam juice
1 cup canned tomatoes, crushed, with juice
3/4 cup onions, chopped
3/4 cup celery, chopped fine
3/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
salt, to taste

directions

Heat 2" to 3" oil with hot pepper sauce in a large saucepan to hot.

Mix cornmeal with chili powder, salt and pepper in a clear plastic bag; shake tilapia fillets in the bag with cornmeal, until well-coated. Fry fillets (about 5 minutes), or until golden brown on each side.

Drain and serve hot, topped with Hot Pepper Sauce and lemon wedges to the side.

For Hot Pepper Sauce: Melt butter in large saucepan and add onion, garlic, celery and green pepper, stir together and cook over medium heat (5 minutes).

Add tomatoes, tomato paste and clam juice; mix together and stir in all remaining ingredients. Bring mix to a boil, then lower heat and simmer (15 minutes), stirring occasionally to allow all flavors to blend thoroughly.

nutrition data

654 calories, 19 grams fat, 77 grams carbohydrates, 49 grams protein per serving.

reviews & comments

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