Beer Battered Tilapia with Homemade Tartar Sauce

I always have to make dinner early on Wednesdays because I attend classes at a local university in the evening.  Tonight is no different, and I needed a quick and easy meal to throw together while I was preparing for a pretty big presentation I am doing in class tonight.  I had tilapia in the freezer and my husband brought me home some organic pumpkin ale.  I am not a huge beer drinker, but once in a while I like a frosty one :)

I served the tilapia along side fresh steamed broccoli and smashed red bliss potatoes from my CSA.  I think everything turned out fabulous!

Beer Battered Tilapia

2 cups flour (plus one cup to the side for dredging tilapia)

1 tsp salt

1 tsp old bay

2 eggs

12oz beer (I used an organic pumpkin ale)

tilapia filets (I used 2 lbs and I had extra batter left over)

oil/butter for frying

Heat your oil/butter in a skillet over medium heat.  While that is heating, mix your batter ingredients in a bowl.  Put 1 cup flour in a dish or bowl to dredge tilapia in.  Now, take your fish and coat it in the flour mixture then cover it with batter and place it in your hot oil.  I had to do two batches.

Drain the cooked tilapia on paper towels to soak up some of the oil. 

Keep warm until ready to serve.

Homemade Tartar Sauce
1 cup mayo
1 tsp zesty honey mustard (or dijon)
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp lemon pepper (I used a grinder)
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp dried parsley
Squeeze of lemon

Mix it all together and chill for 20 minutes or so until really cold and the flavors have a chance to combine.  Serve with Beer Battered Tilapia! :)

Cheesy Smashed Red Bliss Potatoes
2 lbs red bliss potatoes
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp cream (I used half and half)
2 tbsp light butter (Land o Lakes has a good one)
1/2 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

Boil the red bliss potatoes whole with the skin on until a fork can be inserted into the middle of them and come out easily.  This should take about 35 minutes.  Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and add mash until you reach your desired consistency.  I like mine a little chunky :) Add the rest of your ingredients and mix well.  That's it!

Until tomorrow!