Breaded Tilapia and Dipping Sauce

This is quite possibly my favorite meal to make.  It's quick, easy, light and healthy.  I love Tilapia and I always want to find new ways to make it.  I got this recipe from an "Every Day With Rachael Ray" magazine that I subscribe to.  It's so tasty!  If you are any kind of fish fan at all you must try this!

 Here's what you'll need:

1/3 cup Mayonnaise ($0.36)
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard ($0.29)
1 TBSP fresh Lemon juice, about 1/2 a lemon ($0.25)
Salt & Pepper
1 cup Panko bread crumbs ($1.09)
1 TBSP EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) ($0.11)
3 TBSP flour ($0.04)
1 egg, beaten ($0.13)
4 Tilapia fillets ($5.26)-this was priced at $5.99/LB, you can get it cheaper on sale.
Final cost $7.53, not including side dishes. This is for 4 servings.

Here's how to make it: First preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Next, in a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice and a dash of salt and pepper.

Mix until well combined.  I like to separate the dipping sauce into individual cups, cover and then refrigerate until ready to use.

In another bowl mix the Panko bread crumbs with the 1 tbsp EVOO plus 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper.  Mix well until olive oil is mixed in.  Spread evenly onto a baking sheet.

Bake at the top third of the oven about 5 minutes, tossing if necessary until golden brown.  Keep an eye on them, they will brown fast.  

Transfer bread crumbs to a shallow bowl.  In a second bowl, combine flour with 1/4 tsp each of salt and pepper.  In a third bowl, pour in the egg and beat well.

Coat the tilapia first in the flour, then the egg, and finally in the bread crumbs.  Place on a baking sheet and bake about 10 minutes or until flaky.  

Serve the tilapia with the dipping sauce and enjoy!  I also served mine with a side of brown rice and some green beans plus extra lemon wedges for garnish.  So good and so fast!