Toasted Almond-Topped Fish

photo via bhg.com

Matt made this for dinner last night, and it is sooo good. Tilapia was on sale, so that's the kind of fish we had, but it would be good with any kind.

1 pound fresh or frozen fish fillets or steaks

1/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs

2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup sliced almonds, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions

1. Thaw fish, if frozen. If using fillets, separate fillets, or cut fillets or steaks into 4 serving-size portions. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Measure thickness of fish. (To measure thickness of fish fillets or steaks, place a ruler against the thickness part of the fish.

Use this measurement to calculate the cooking time for fish. Generally allow 4 to 6 minutes for each 1/2 inch thickness of fish.)

2. Pour buttermilk into a shallow dish. In another shallow dish combine bread crumbs, parsley, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Dip fish into buttermilk. Then roll fish in crumb mixture. Place coated fish in a greased shallow baking pan.

3. Sprinkle fish with coarsely chopped almonds. Drizzle melted butter or margarine over fish. Bake in a 500 degree F oven until golden and fish flakes easily with a fork. Allow 4 to 6 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness.

4. To serve, transfer fish to a warm serving platter. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired. Makes 4 servings.