Looking for a recipe that’s lightning-fast, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to clean up? Meet your new weeknight hero: Instant Pot Tilapia Bites! In just 20 minutes, you can have tender, flaky bites of tilapia coated in a zesty, savory batter with a gentle kick of red pepper. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, first searing the fish to a perfect golden-brown and then pressure cooking it in a creamy lemon sauce. It’s a healthy, low-carb, and high-protein dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450g Tilapia Fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 large Eggs
• 3 tbsp. Olive Oil
• ½ cup / 120ml Half and Half
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp ground Coriander
• 1 whole Lemon, juiced and zested
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp. Almond Flour or Finely Ground Almonds
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, red pepper flakes, coriander, lemon zest, black pepper, and almond flour to create a batter.
3. Set your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on high. Once the display reads “Hot,” add the olive oil.
4. Pat the tilapia fillets dry and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Dip each piece into the egg batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
5. Carefully place the coated tilapia pieces into the hot oil in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches.
6. Turn off the SAUTE function. Return all the seared tilapia to the pot. Pour the lemon juice and half and half over the fish.
7. Secure the lid, set the steam release valve to “Sealing,” and cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes.
8. Once the timer finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully moving the valve to “Venting.”
9. Gently stir the tilapia bites in the sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving
• Calories: 160
• Total Fat: 10g
• Net Carbs: 2.3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
Pro Tips
• For a crispier crust, don’t overcrowd the pot when sautéing. Cook the tilapia in two batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a beautiful golden sear.
• Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with a paper towel before cubing and dipping. This helps the batter adhere better and prevents the oil from splattering.
• Feel free to substitute tilapia with other firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets.
• Serve these bites over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad to keep the meal low-carb. They also make a fantastic appetizer with a side of tartar sauce or a creamy dill dip.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different fish for this Instant Pot recipe
A: Yes, you can easily substitute tilapia with other firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or halibut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets you choose.
Q: How do I get a crispy crust on the tilapia bites
A: The key to a crispier, golden-brown crust is to not overcrowd the Instant Pot during the sautéing step. Cook the coated tilapia pieces in two batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a perfect sear.
Q: Is this tilapia recipe keto-friendly
A: Absolutely. This recipe is designed to be low-carb and keto-friendly, using almond flour for the batter. With only 2.3g of net carbs per serving, it’s a perfect high-protein option for a ketogenic diet.
Q: What can I serve with these tilapia bites
A: To keep the meal low-carb, serve the tilapia bites over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer when paired with a tartar sauce or a creamy dill dip.
