Almond Encrusted Cod Fillets

Ingredients

• 1 cup Fisher® Chef’s Naturals Slivered Almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 4 cod fillets (6 oz. each)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup milk
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Additional salt and ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds in one layer on ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Set aside.
2. Place fillets and lemon juice in large resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; refrigerate 20 minutes, turning bag occasionally.
3. Place 3/4 cup flour in shallow-rimmed dish. In medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk; set aside.
4. In another rimmed dish, combine remaining 3/4 cup flour, toasted slivered almonds, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.
5. Heat 1-inch oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Remove fillets from bag. Discard juice. Dredge each fillet in flour turning to coat.
7. Dip each fillet in egg mixture, turning to coat. Then, dredge each fillet in almond-crumb mixture, pressing gently and turning to coat. Discard any remaining flour, egg and crumb mixtures.
8. Carefully place fillets in oil. Fry 2 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fish begins to flake.
9. Transfer fillets to paper-towel-lined cooling rack to drain; sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.